Call Light Not Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to ensure that a call light was within reach for a resident with significant medical needs. The resident had a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), epilepsy, depressive disorder, and hemiplegia, and required maximal to moderate assistance with activities of daily living such as toileting, dressing, and hygiene. The resident's care plan specifically directed staff to keep the call light within reach due to these limitations. During an observation, the call light was found placed at the top of the mattress above the resident's pillow, out of the resident's reach. A CNA confirmed that the resident would not be able to access the call light in that position and acknowledged it should have been placed within reach to allow the resident to call for assistance. The DON also confirmed that call lights are required to be within reach, as per facility policy, and that failure to do so could delay necessary care.