Resident Unable to Access Call Bell in Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with chronic pain syndrome, morbid obesity, lymphedema, and osteoarthritis did not have access to the call bell while in their room. The resident, who was cognitively intact per their MDS assessment, was observed sitting in a wheelchair and calling out for help with increased volume. The call bell was found pinned to the top sheet of the resident's bed, out of their reach. The resident reported that after being brought to their room following an activity, they requested to go to bed, but staff said they would return and did not provide the call bell within reach. Unable to summon assistance, the resident used their cell phone to contact a friend, who then called the facility's nurse's station to request help. Upon staff intervention, the resident was repositioned and the call bell was placed within their reach. An LPN confirmed that the resident's friend or family member had called the facility, prompting staff to assist the resident. The LPN also stated that the resident requires two-person assistance for transfers and had provided re-education to the resident regarding this requirement. The deficiency was identified through both observation and interviews, demonstrating that the facility failed to ensure the resident had access to the call bell as required.