Call Light Not Within Reach for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a call light was within reach for one of four sampled residents. The resident, who had diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy and muscle weakness, was assessed as having intact cognition and required setup assistance with eating, oral hygiene, personal hygiene, and partial assistance with showering. During an observation and interview with a licensed vocational nurse, it was noted that the resident's call light was not accessible. Both the nurse and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that call lights should always be within reach so residents can request assistance. Review of the facility's policy indicated that staff are required to ensure call lights are within residents' reach before leaving the room.