Call Light Not Accessible to Resident with High Fall Risk
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions, including atherosclerotic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, dysphagia, hypertension, and arthritis, was found lying in bed with her call light on the floor and out of reach. The resident's care plan specifically required that the call light be kept within reach due to her high risk of falls and need for assistance with daily activities. Despite this, during an observation, the call light was not accessible to the resident while she was in bed. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the call light should have been within reach at all times, as per the care plan, and that the resident was capable of using it physically, though she often forgot to do so. Staff were unable to explain why the call light was on the floor and acknowledged that the resident's care could be delayed if she could not access the call light. The facility did not have a specific policy regarding call lights, but their general resident rights policy emphasized treating residents with respect and ensuring access to services.