I live in assisted living facility. If I use call button it takes long time. Today sick and needed pills. It took 1 1/2 hours. Help!

Suck it up, carers are busy tending to those that need it most

Let's not forget that there are people living in Assisted Living with a variety of different health concerns. The Staff could have been assisting a patient who was having a heart attack or breathing issues. Therefore, they couldn't break away to go to your room.

With Staffing shortages, it makes the work even more exhausting for the Staff. I remember hearing a Staff member say "Lord, give me strength" as she looked so overwhelmed, and that was years ago, before the pandemic. Can't imagine what is happening today.

Deb, I just read your profile, and am confused. It says you are caring for your Mother and listed her health issues. Are you writing for your Mother? If so, it is ok to say this is the problem that my Mom is having.

So sorry that you are having to go through this. You have every right to be concerned and speak with a director.
I agree that if you have anyone in your family or friends group whom could also be there with you when you address it.

if it doesn’t help I agree with calling an ombudsman - they can come to your facility and make sure all protocols (including number of staff etc) are in order. Best wishes

I would speak to the director. You are in assisted Living for a reason. No excuse for being understaffed and not answering the call light for an hour. What if there was a real emergency and you needed help immediately and if things do not change I would look for a better Assisted Lving Facility. Perhaps a family member could help you in your search.

I agree with GardenArtist's suggestion. If doing that doesn't improve the problem you can consider contacting an ombudsman. Do you have anyone (like local relative, neighbor, friend, church acquaintance/pastor) who can act as an advocate for you? I'm not suggesting as a PoA, but sometimes an outside "voice" can get better attention in these situations. But since it came up: do you have someone as your PoA?

First, document each of these incidents.  That's important.

I think I would ask for a meeting with the administration, including any nursing director.  Raise the issue and explain not only your concerns, but the fact that you're paying for services that aren't being properly delivered.

If you have any relatives, or friends, you could ask them to send you brochures and literature from other AL facilities, then leave them in a prominently observable place in your room.