Failure to Ensure Call Lights Within Reach for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call lights were within reach for two of three sampled residents who required assistance with activities of daily living and transfers. For one resident, who required substantial to maximal assistance for self-care and was dependent on staff for transfers, the call light was observed on the floor at the head of the bed, out of the resident's reach while lying in bed. This was confirmed by an LPN, who acknowledged that the call light was not accessible as required by facility policy. For another resident, who was dependent on staff for ADLs, transfers, and mobility, the call light was found clipped to the curtain and not within reach while the resident was in bed. A CNA confirmed that the call light was not accessible and should have been within reach. The facility's policy, as stated by the administrator, requires that call lights be accessible to all residents at all times.