Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident with Cognitive and Physical Impairments
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that a resident's call light was not within reach while the resident was in bed. The call light was found under the dresser on the right side of the bed, and the resident was unaware of its existence. When prompted by the surveyor to use the call light for assistance, the resident stated he did not know he had one. The call light was only located after a search by surveyors, and it was then attached to the resident's blanket to ensure accessibility. The resident involved had a history of facial weakness following cerebrovascular disease and attention and concentration deficits following cerebral infarction, with a moderate cognitive impairment as indicated by a BIM score of 12 out of 15. He required substantial to maximum assistance for activities of daily living and had lower extremity impairment. The facility's policy required that call lights be accessible to residents at all times, but this was not followed in this instance, resulting in the resident being unable to request assistance when needed.