Call Light Inaccessibility Due to Improper Placement
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of cerebral infarction (stroke) and contracture of the left upper arm was found to have their call light placed on their weaker, left side. The resident was cognitively intact, as indicated by a Brief Interview of Mental Status score of 14. During an unannounced visit, surveyors observed the call light clipped to the left bedrail, making it inaccessible to the resident due to their physical limitations. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the call light should have been placed on the resident's stronger, right side to ensure accessibility. The CNA acknowledged placing the call light on the weaker side, and the LVN confirmed that the resident would not be able to call for help if the call light was not on the strong side. The resident's care plan and facility policy both required that the call light be accessible to the resident when in bed, but this was not followed in this instance.