Delayed Response to Call Bell for Resident Requiring Extensive Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a right leg above the knee amputation, reduced mobility, and chronic pain syndrome, who was able to communicate needs and required extensive assistance with activities of daily living, was observed to have their call bell activated for 29 minutes without response from staff. The resident had a care plan indicating a risk for falls and dependence on staff for toileting, with interventions specifying that staff should encourage use of the call bell and respond promptly to requests for assistance. On the day of the incident, the resident reported waiting for assistance to use the bathroom and expressed concern about missing an activity due to the delay. Facility policy expected call bells to be answered within 20 minutes, but staff did not respond within this timeframe.