Failure to Ensure Resident Access to Call Bells and Display Boards
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that multiple residents were unable to access their call bells while in their rooms. Specifically, four residents were found in their beds or wheelchairs with their call bells on the floor, behind the head of the bed, and out of reach. One resident reported that the call bell was frequently inaccessible, requiring alternative means to summon staff assistance. These observations were confirmed by a nurse aide, who acknowledged that the affected residents did not have access to their call bells at the time of the survey. Additionally, two residents reported during a group interview that the display boards for activity calendars in their rooms were installed too high for them to access or read while seated in their wheelchairs. Observations confirmed that the boards were positioned at or above standing eye level, making them inaccessible to the residents. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the facility's responsibility to make reasonable accommodations for residents' needs and confirmed the issue with the display boards.