Delayed Response to Resident Needs Due to Insufficient Nursing Staff
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the needs of residents in a timely manner, as evidenced by delays in responding to call lights and providing necessary care for two residents. One resident with a history of stroke and dementia was left waiting for assistance for over 50 minutes after requesting medication for constipation, despite a care plan directing staff to check on the resident frequently. The delay was attributed to poor communication between staff and low nurse staffing, with an agency CNA failing to promptly relay the medication request to the appropriate staff member. Another resident, who was bedridden and dependent on staff for all self-care, experienced a 45-minute wait for assistance with a brief change after activating the call light. The resident reported being told by staff to wait until after meals for incontinence care, which made the resident feel undignified. Staff confirmed the resident's dependence and preference for being changed before meals, and acknowledged the ongoing nature of the concern. The administrator stated that call lights were expected to be answered within 15 minutes and recognized the need for further investigation into the delays.