Call Light Not Accessible to Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light was found tucked away in a bedside drawer, out of the resident's reach, during an observation. The resident, who was alert, oriented, and able to make his needs known, had a history of cerebral infarction, seizures, and ulcerative colitis, and required substantial to maximal assistance with activities of daily living. The resident expressed concern about not being able to reach the call light when needed, confirming that this had occurred previously. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the call light was not accessible to the resident and acknowledged that it should always be within reach. The facility's job description for CNAs and its policy on answering call lights both require that the call light be kept within easy reach of residents to ensure timely response to their needs. The failure to ensure the call light was accessible represented a lack of reasonable accommodation for the resident's needs and preferences.