Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that a resident's call light was within reach, as required by facility policy and the resident's care plan. During observation, the resident was found unable to access the call light, which was hanging on the floor at the foot of the bed. The resident, who is totally dependent and requires assistance for transfers, reported being unable to find the call light and stated that she had repeatedly asked staff to place it within reach. A registered nurse confirmed the call light was not accessible and acknowledged the importance of keeping it within reach for residents to communicate their needs. The Director of Nursing also stated that call lights should always be within reach of residents. Documentation in the resident's care plan and facility policy both specify that call lights must be placed within easy reach of residents.