Call Lights Not Accessible to Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that call lights were within reach for two residents who were both dependent on staff for activities of daily living. One resident had hemiplegia affecting the left side, muscle weakness, and contractures, and was assessed as having moderate cognitive impairment. The other resident had Alzheimer's disease, muscle weakness, contractures, and was severely cognitively impaired. Both residents required staff assistance for toileting, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. During an observation, both residents were found in their room with their call lights on the floor, out of reach, and one resident was calling out for help. The Director of Nursing entered the room, observed the call lights were not accessible, and placed them within reach. Facility policy required staff to ensure call lights were accessible to residents when in bed, but this was not followed, resulting in the deficiency.