Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure that a resident's call light was within reach, as required by the resident's care plan and the facility's policy. The resident, who had a history of cerebral infarction resulting in severely impaired cognition and right-sided weakness, was dependent on staff for most activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, and mobility. During an observation, the resident was seen searching for the call light, which was found hanging against the wall and out of reach. The resident stated that they use the call light to call for help from staff. Interviews with facility staff, including the Assistant Director of Staff Development and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the call light should always be accessible to residents, especially those with significant physical and cognitive impairments. The staff acknowledged that sometimes call lights are not placed within reach after care is provided. Review of the facility's policy also indicated that staff are required to ensure call lights are accessible from the bed, toilet, shower, and floor. This failure to provide reasonable accommodation for the resident's needs constituted a deficiency.