Call Bell System Audit - Care Homes

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  • Is there a policy in place for the use, monitoring, and maintenance of the call bell system, including expectations for response times?
  • Are all resident bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas equipped with accessible and functioning call bell points?
  • Are call bell cords within easy reach of residents, especially in beds, toilets, and chairs?
  • Are residents shown how to use the call bell system upon admission or when their needs change?
  • Are staff aware of their responsibilities in responding to call bells promptly and respectfully?
  • Are response times to call bells monitored, recorded, and reviewed regularly for compliance with internal standards?
  • Is the call bell system tested daily or at defined intervals to ensure full functionality across all zones?
  • Are faulty call bells reported immediately, logged, and repaired within an appropriate timeframe?
  • Is a record kept of all maintenance, faults, and service visits related to the call bell system?
  • Are visual and/or audible indicators (e.g., corridor lights, staff pagers, display screens) working correctly in all areas?
  • Are there alternative systems in place for residents who cannot use standard call bells (e.g., pendant alarms, pressure mats, vocal alerts)?
  • Is there a contingency plan for system failure (e.g., battery backup, temporary alerts, manual checks)?
  • Are staff trained to recognise emergency alerts and respond appropriately, including when assisting in other units or zones?
  • Is the volume of call bell alerts appropriate—not muted or so loud as to cause distress or sensory overload?
  • Are call bells never obstructed, removed, or placed out of reach for reasons of convenience or control?
  • Are patterns of high call bell usage reviewed to identify unmet needs, care planning issues, or staff support gaps?
  • Are residents’ call bell usage reviewed as part of care reviews, especially for those at risk of falls, confusion, or anxiety?
  • Are night-time call bell responses monitored and reviewed separately to ensure safety and dignity during lower staffing hours?
  • Is there a process for logging emergency call-outs (e.g., cardiac events, falls) triggered via call bell or linked systems?
  • Is there a process to ensure agency or new staff are trained on the specific call bell system used in the home?
  • Are staff handovers used to communicate call bell concerns (e.g., faulty units, resident requiring increased monitoring)?
  • Is resident feedback gathered regarding their confidence in the call bell system and perceived response times?
  • Are call bell data and trends discussed in clinical governance or quality meetings to drive improvement?
  • Are any instances of unacknowledged or delayed responses reviewed and investigated for root causes and accountability?
  • Are room-specific call bell alarms logged with timestamps to allow audit of staff response performance?
  • Is the system compliant with fire safety protocols and not dependent on the main power supply alone?
  • Is there a backup communication system in place in case of major technical failure (e.g., walkie-talkies, manual checks)?
  • Are staff reminded regularly not to silence or cancel alarms before attending to residents?
  • Is the system serviced regularly by a certified technician or vendor, and are service records retained for inspection?