Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with hemiplegia affecting the right dominant side, muscle weakness, and anxiety was found with their call light on the floor and out of reach. The resident's care plan specified that the call light should be kept within reach, particularly on the side of the resident's strong arm and hand. During observation, the resident was lying in bed with a contracted right hand, and the call light was not accessible. Certified Nurse Assistant 3 confirmed that the resident could not reach the call light and acknowledged it should have been placed within reach of the resident's functional side. Further review of the resident's records indicated that the resident was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and had intact cognition. The facility's policy and procedures required that call lights be kept within reach of residents at all times. The Director of Nursing also stated that the call light should be placed close to the resident's good arm and hand to ensure timely response to needs. The failure to keep the call light within reach was contrary to both the care plan and facility policy.