Failure to Ensure Call Bell Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a call bell was accessible to a resident as required by policy. During multiple observations, the call bell was found attached to the wall behind the bed and draped over a box of popcorn and two photo frames on top of the resident's refrigerator, making it out of reach for the resident while lying in bed. When asked how assistance would be summoned, the resident attempted to reach for the call bell with both arms but was unsuccessful. The resident's care plan specified that the call light and desired personal items should be placed within reach when the resident was in bed or a bedside chair. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) staff entered and exited the resident's room several times without ensuring the call bell was accessible, leaving it in the same inaccessible position. When a Registered Nurse (RN) was present, the call bell was finally placed within reach by tying it to the bed. The RN was unaware of any alternative accommodations for the resident to use the call system, despite the facility's policy requiring evaluation for special needs and documentation in the care plan. The deficiency was identified through direct observation and interviews, confirming that the resident did not have consistent access to the call bell as required.