Call Light Not Accessible to Resident with Mobility and Cognitive Impairments
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of encephalopathy, cerebrovascular disease, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis affecting the left dominant side was observed lying in bed without access to their call light, which was found on the floor. The resident was cognitively impaired and required moderate assistance from staff for transfers, toileting, dressing, and bathing, as documented in their Minimum Data Set. During an observation with the DON, it was confirmed that the call light was not within the resident's reach, contrary to facility policy, which requires that call lights be accessible to residents when in bed. The DON acknowledged that the lack of access to the call light could result in delayed care. The facility's policy also emphasizes the importance of ensuring timely responses to residents' needs by keeping call lights accessible.