Call Light Inaccessibility for Resident with Mobility Impairment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction, who required substantial to maximum assistance for mobility and had intact cognition, was found unable to access their call light while in bed. The facility's policy required that call lights be within reach of residents at all times. During an observation, the resident reported being unable to locate or reach the call light, which was found under the pillow on the side affected by their impairment. The resident expressed a need for assistance with repositioning but was unable to summon help due to the inaccessible call light. Staff were notified by the surveyor, and upon entering the room, a CNA confirmed that the call light was not within the resident's reach and handed it to the resident. The Director of Nursing later confirmed that the call light should have been accessible according to facility policy. The deficiency was identified based on direct observation, staff and resident interviews, and review of the facility's policy and the resident's medical record.