Failure to Provide Timely Response to Resident's Request for Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with acute and chronic respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a tracheostomy was not provided timely assistance after requesting help. The resident, who was alert and oriented but dependent on staff for activities of daily living due to lower extremity impairments, was observed waiting for two hours for assistance with dressing after a bed bath. The resident's call light was activated, and she expressed distress over the long wait. Staff interviews revealed that the LPN was aware of the resident's needs but prioritized medication administration for other residents, stating the resident would have to wait until the medication pass was complete. The CNA communicated the delay to the resident but was unable to provide the required assistance herself. Further observations showed that another nurse did not respond to the resident's call light, even when in proximity, and only acknowledged the request after being prompted by a state surveyor. The facility's policy required all staff to respond to call lights, but this was not followed. The Director of Nursing confirmed that multiple staff members were available and that the resident's care should have been coordinated to prevent extended waiting times. The failure to respond promptly to the resident's request for assistance with dressing and hydration, despite clear facility policy and available staff, led to the deficiency.