Call Light Not Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light was not within reach on two separate occasions. During observations, the call light cord was found hanging from the left-upper side rail with the touch pad touching the floor, making it inaccessible to the resident. The resident was awake and lying in bed during both observations. The resident's care plan specifically indicated that the call light should be within reach due to her high risk for falls. The facility's policy also required staff to check call light placement during rounds to ensure it was accessible. The resident involved had diagnoses of generalized muscle weakness, dementia with severely impaired cognition, and a history of falls. She was dependent on staff for all self-care and mobility needs and lacked the capacity to make decisions. Interviews with a CNA and an LVN confirmed that the call light was not within reach and acknowledged that it should have been accessible for the resident's safety. Both staff members stated that checking call light placement was part of their routine responsibilities.