Resident Lacked Access to Functioning Call Bell
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident diagnosed with depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was observed lying in bed without access to a functioning call bell. Multiple observations confirmed that the call bell was neither attached nor accessible to the resident over a period of time. The resident's care plan specifically required that the call bell be within reach, and facility policy mandated that call lights be plugged in and functioning at all times. Staff interviews revealed that the call bell cord had broken off and no maintenance request had been submitted to address the issue. The staff member interviewed was unaware of the problem until it was brought to their attention during the survey. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the resident should have had access to a call bell and was unable to determine how long the device had been nonfunctional.