Call Bell Not Accessible to Resident in Bed
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the environment met the individual needs of a resident by not keeping the call system within the resident's reach. Multiple observations on the same day showed the resident lying in bed with the call bell on the floor, placed on a fall mat to the left side of the bed, and out of the resident's reach. This occurred despite the facility's policy, which requires that the call light be accessible to residents when in bed, on the toilet, in the shower or bathing facility, and from the floor. The resident involved had diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. According to the Minimum Data Set, the resident was able to make themselves understood and understand others. Interviews with the DON confirmed that the resident was capable of using the call bell and that it was expected to be within reach, yet it was repeatedly observed out of reach during the survey.