Call Light Not Accessible to Resident with High Fall Risk
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to ensure that the call light was within reach of a resident who had been admitted with diagnoses including dementia, depression, and a history of falls. The resident's care plan specifically required that the call light and personal belongings be placed within her reach to minimize fall risk and ensure her ability to request assistance. During an observation, the resident was found lying in bed with the call light on the floor, unable to locate or reach it. The resident attempted to search for the call light but was unsuccessful. Certified Nursing Assistant 1 confirmed during the observation that the call light was not within the resident's reach and acknowledged that it should always be accessible. The Director of Nursing also stated that call lights are required to be accessible to residents at all times. Review of the facility's policy indicated that call lights must be within easy reach of residents while in bed. The failure to follow these procedures resulted in the resident's inability to call for help when needed.