Inaccessible Bathroom Call Light Puts Resident at Risk
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's bathroom call light pull string was found wrapped up and inaccessible from the floor, making it impossible for the resident to reach the call system in the event of a fall. The resident, who was cognitively intact and independent with toileting hygiene and transfers, was at risk for falls and had a care plan intervention to ensure the call light was within reach. Despite this, during an observation, the call light was not accessible as required. Interviews with facility staff revealed that maintenance was responsible for ensuring call lights were in working order and that strings were long enough to be accessible. The maintenance staff member, who was new to the facility, acknowledged the issue and stated she would address it. The DON confirmed maintenance's responsibility for call lights and recognized that an inaccessible call light would prevent a resident from calling for help if needed. The facility's policy required that call lights be within reach and accessible to residents.