Call Light Not Accessible to Resident with Mobility Impairment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a right below knee amputation and moderate cognitive impairment was observed with their call light button on the floor and not within reach. The resident stated they could not reach the call light and needed it to be closer in order to call for assistance. The resident's care plan specifically indicated that the call light should be within reach to encourage its use for assistance with activities of daily living. During interviews, a Licensed Vocational Nurse, the Director of Staff Development, and the Assistant Director of Nursing all confirmed that the call light should not have been on the floor and should have been accessible to the resident. Facility policy also requires that call lights be accessible to residents in various locations, including in bed. The failure to ensure the call light was within reach constituted a lack of reasonable accommodation for the resident's needs and preferences.