Call Light Accessibility Not Maintained for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to ensure that a resident's call light device was consistently within reach, as required by facility policy. The resident, who had diagnoses including non-Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease, was documented as having limited range of motion in both upper and lower extremities and required substantial to maximal assistance for bed mobility, transfers, personal hygiene, and toileting. The resident also used a wheelchair for mobility. According to the resident, there were instances at least once a week when the call light was not accessible. During an observation, the resident was found alone in their room, calling out for help, with the call light placed on the opposite side of the bed, out of both vision and reach. An occupational therapist responded to the resident's calls and repositioned the call light within reach upon request. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are expected to ensure the call light is always within reach before leaving a resident's room, as outlined in the facility's standards of care policy.