Insufficient Staffing Leads to Delayed Resident Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of a resident with severe cognitive impairment. On the observed date, the resident was repeatedly calling out for help to use the bathroom, but a CNA who was present in the hallway did not check on the resident and instead retrieved a dirty linen cart. The resident continued to call for assistance until an LPN was informed and responded. The resident's assessment indicated a BIMS score of 06, signifying severe cognitive impairment, and required supervision for transfers and partial to moderate assistance with toilet hygiene. Multiple CNAs interviewed stated that call lights should be answered within five minutes, but they did not feel there was enough staff to meet this expectation, confirming delays in responding to residents' needs due to insufficient staffing.