Failure to Provide Accessible Call Light for Visually Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate the needs of a resident with significant visual impairment and muscle weakness by not ensuring the call light was within reach and by not providing an appropriate touch pad call light. The resident, who was blind and dependent on staff for most activities of daily living, was observed with a standard push button call light that was not accessible. Staff interviews confirmed that the call light was not within reach and was not suitable for the resident's condition, as the resident would not know where or how to use it due to blindness. The resident's care plan specifically indicated that the call light should be placed within reach, and facility policy required accessible call systems or alternative communication methods for residents with disabilities. Despite these directives, observations showed the call light was left in the middle of the bed while the resident was in a wheelchair against the wall, making it inaccessible. Staff acknowledged the oversight and the need for a more appropriate call light device for the resident's needs.