Delayed Response to Call Lights and Toileting Requests
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to promptly respond to call lights and requests for toileting assistance for two residents. One resident, admitted with peripheral vascular disease, sickle-cell disease, and muscle wasting, reported waiting 30 minutes to 1 hour for staff to answer the call light, particularly in the afternoon. This resident required supervision or touch assistance for personal and oral hygiene, bathing, and dressing, and had no cognitive impairment. Another resident, with diagnoses including lymphoma, urinary tract infection, and muscle weakness, required substantial to maximal assistance for bathing and supervision or touch assist for dressing and toileting hygiene. This resident reported waiting 2 hours for staff to respond to a call light when needing to use the bathroom, timing the delay by watching the clock in the room. Interviews with both residents confirmed repeated delays in staff response to call lights, with one resident specifically noting the need for toileting assistance during the prolonged wait. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that residents should not have to wait 30 minutes for call lights to be answered. Facility policies reviewed indicated that staff are expected to answer call lights within a reasonable time and treat residents with dignity and respect, allowing flexibility in daily activities and choices.