Call Light Inaccessibility for Resident with Cognitive Impairment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed sitting in his wheelchair in his room with the call light cord wrapped multiple times around the bed rail, rendering the call light inaccessible. The end of the call light was hanging behind the bed, and the resident could not reach it. The resident stated that he typically used the call light to request assistance but was unable to do so in this situation. Instead, he reported that if he needed help, he would have to roll his wheelchair to the door and call out into the hallway. Multiple observations confirmed that the call light remained inaccessible throughout the day. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and an LPN, confirmed that the call light was not within the resident's reach and that it should have been accessible at all times. The resident was noted to be moderately cognitively impaired, with a BIMS score of 10, and had a medical diagnosis of epilepsy. The facility's policy required that call lights be accessible to residents to allow communication with staff, but this was not followed in the case of this resident.