Call Light Not Accessible to Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide reasonable accommodation of a resident's needs and preferences by not ensuring that the call light was within reach for a resident who was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and had severely impaired cognitive skills. During an observation, the resident was found in bed with the call light tucked between the mattress and pillow, making it inaccessible. This was confirmed during a concurrent interview and observation with a Licensed Vocational Nurse, who acknowledged that the call light was not within reach and stated it should always be accessible for safety. The resident involved had a history of intervertebral disc degeneration, muscle wasting and atrophy, limitations in activity due to disability, and adult failure to thrive. The Minimum Data Set assessment indicated the resident was dependent on staff for eating, hygiene, toileting, bathing, dressing, and mobility, and had severely impaired decision-making abilities. Facility policies reviewed indicated that staff are required to ensure call lights are accessible to residents in bed, on the toilet, in the shower, and on the floor, but this was not followed in this instance.