F0919

F

Failure to Maintain Functioning Call Bell System on All Units

Myerstown, Pennsylvania Survey Completed on 03-19-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide a properly working call bell system in resident bathrooms and bathing areas on all three units. On multiple observations on March 19, 2026, call bells in rooms 103, 105, 203, and 316 illuminated in the corridor but produced no audible sound when activated. Staff interviews, including with a nurse and another employee, confirmed that the call bells were lighting up in the hallway but not sounding when used. The Administrator also confirmed that the call bell system had not been functioning properly and that this issue, with lights working but no audible alarm, had been occurring since the prior day.

Clinical record review showed that one resident had chronic pain and dysphagia, was alert and oriented, and was dependent on staff for toileting and dressing. This resident’s care plan identified a risk for falls and included an intervention for staff to ensure the call light was within reach and to encourage its use; the resident reported that his call bell had not worked properly for two days, and observation confirmed there was no sound when the call bell was activated. Another resident with diabetes and insomnia, who was also alert and oriented and care planned as at risk for falls with the same call light intervention, reported that his call bell sporadically did not work properly. These findings demonstrated that the malfunctioning call system affected multiple rooms and residents whose care plans relied on a functioning call bell for fall-risk interventions.