Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to ensure that a resident with significant physical limitations had access to their call light. The resident, who had hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke affecting the left side, as well as other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation, was dependent on staff for activities of daily living. The resident's care plan specifically required that the call light be within reach and that the resident be encouraged to use it for assistance as needed. During two separate observations, the call light was found out of the resident's reach: once on the floor behind the head of the bed and again attached to the fitted sheet on the resident's left side, which the resident could not access. The resident confirmed that she would use the call light if she could find it. A CNA verified the call light was not within reach and repositioned it appropriately. Facility policies reviewed indicated that residents should have access to the call light when in bed or seated, and interventions should be consistent with the resident's needs and care plan.