Call Light Not Kept Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with diagnoses including dementia, cerebral vascular accident, hypertension, and generalized muscle weakness was found to have their call light out of reach while in bed. The resident was assessed as being dependent on staff for all activities and was care planned as being at risk for falls, with specific instructions to keep the call light within reach. During an observation, the call light was found hanging behind the resident's head, making it inaccessible. Interviews with both a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Certified Nursing Assistant confirmed that the call light should be within the resident's reach to allow them to call for assistance and prevent accidents. Review of the facility's policy also indicated that call lights must be accessible to residents in various settings, including in bed. The failure to ensure the call light was within reach constituted a deficiency in accommodating the resident's needs and preferences.