Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide reasonable accommodation for a resident by not ensuring the call light was within the resident's reach. Observations on two separate occasions showed the resident lying in bed with the call light clipped to the right corner of the mattress by the head of the bed, and the cord dangling off the bed, making it inaccessible to the resident. The resident's care plan specifically included an intervention to place the call light within reach due to a history of falls. The facility's policy also required staff to ensure call lights are easily accessible to residents when in bed or seated. Medical record review indicated the resident had clear speech, could sometimes make themselves understood, and had limitations in the range of motion in both upper extremities. The resident was able to use the call light when it was accessible. During an interview, a CNA confirmed the call light was not within reach and repositioned it accordingly. The DON stated that staff are expected to keep call lights within reach at all times.