Failure to Ensure Call Lights Within Reach for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents had their call lights placed within reach, as required by policy. For one resident with a history of falls, muscle spasms, and dementia, the call light was observed on the floor behind the bed and disconnected from the wall. The resident was unable to locate the call light and requested assistance. A CNA confirmed the call light was not accessible and stated it should have been within the resident's reach. The Assistant Director of Nursing also acknowledged the importance of call lights being accessible to residents. For another resident with diagnoses including type 2 diabetes, difficulty walking, and lack of coordination, the call light was also found on the floor and not within reach. The resident required partial to moderate assistance with daily activities. A CNA confirmed the call light was not accessible and acknowledged the risk of injury if the resident attempted to retrieve it. Review of the facility's policy indicated that residents should have access to a call system to request staff assistance.