Non-Functional Call Light System in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light system was found to be non-functional during an observation and interview. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for activities of daily living (ADL) care, reported waiting for almost an hour for incontinence care and stated that he had pressed the call light several times without receiving assistance. The call light was observed to be within reach but did not function when pressed. A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) confirmed that the call light was not working and acknowledged that staff should have ensured its functionality before leaving the room. The facility's policy and procedure required staff to report any problems with the call light system to the supervisor or maintenance director. The Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator were informed of the findings and acknowledged that the call light system should be functional for residents.