Failure to Maintain Functioning Call Bell System for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a functioning call bell system was available for residents, as evidenced by observations and interviews during a complaint survey. Out of seven residents reviewed for call bell function, multiple instances were found where the call bell system did not operate as intended. In one case, a resident's call bell triggered the alert signal but the signal could not be turned off using the wall button, requiring maintenance intervention. The resident reported having previously requested repairs for this issue, but no action had been taken prior to the survey. In another instance, a resident's call bell did not function at all and failed to signal staff when pressed. Staff confirmed that maintenance had not received any prior work orders for this issue. Further review and interviews revealed that additional residents had nonfunctioning call bells, with the Maintenance Director identifying and confirming several rooms where the call bell systems were not operational. Documentation showed that these deficiencies had not been previously addressed, and residents had experienced periods without reliable access to staff assistance through the call bell system. The lack of timely response to repair requests and the absence of maintenance work orders contributed to the ongoing deficiency in ensuring resident safety and communication.