Call Light Devices Not Kept Within Reach for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the call light devices were within reach for two residents, as required by facility policy. In the first instance, a resident with paraplegia and hypertension reported that her call light device had been placed up high on the trapeze bar by staff after making her bed, making it inaccessible to her while she was in her wheelchair. Both an LPN and the DON confirmed that the call light device should have been attached to the bed covers for easy access, but it was not. In the second instance, another resident with polyosteoarthritis and obesity stated that her call light device was wrapped around the overbed light and was out of her reach while she was in her wheelchair. A nursing assistant and the DON both acknowledged that the call light device should have been attached to the blankets for easy access, but this was not done. These findings were based on observations, interviews, and policy review.