Failure to Keep Call Light Within Reach for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's call light was consistently kept within reach, as required by the resident's care plan and facility policy. On multiple occasions, the resident was observed lying in bed with the call light hanging off the side of the bed, nearly touching or halfway to the floor, making it inaccessible. During these times, the resident expressed uncertainty about the location of the call light and was unable to find it when attempting to do so. On one occasion, the call light was within reach and the resident was able to use it, but this was not consistently maintained. The resident involved had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, moderate cognitive impairment, and was dependent on staff for activities of daily living. The care plan identified the resident as being at risk for falls and specifically included an intervention to keep the call light within reach. Staff interviews confirmed that the call light should have been accessible to the resident at all times. Facility policy also required staff to ensure call lights were within reach and secured as needed.