Call Light Not Within Reach for Resident with Hemiparesis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's call light was within reach, as required by policy and procedure. Resident 42, who had a history of cerebral infarction resulting in hemiparesis of the right arm and lacked decision-making capacity, was observed with her call light placed on her right side, the side affected by weakness. The resident required partial to moderate assistance with activities of daily living, according to her Minimum Data Set assessment. Staff interviews confirmed that all facility staff were responsible for ensuring call lights were within easy reach of residents, and the Director of Nursing emphasized the importance of this practice. The facility's policy also specified that call lights should be within easy reach when residents are in bed or confined to a chair. The failure to position the call light appropriately for Resident 42 was identified through observation, interview, and record review.