Call Light Inaccessibility for Resident Needing Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's call light was not within easy reach, as observed during a survey. The call device was found tied to the right-side rail and hanging below the bed frame, making it inaccessible to the resident. During an interview, the resident stated she did not know where her call device was and preferred to stay in bed rather than attempt to reach for it, expressing fear of falling. The resident required partial to moderate assistance with several activities of daily living and had moderate cognitive impairment but was able to make her own decisions and follow commands. Her medical history included type II diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis without neurogenic claudication. Staff interviews confirmed that the call light was supposed to be within the resident's reach to ensure timely care and safety. Both a CNA and the Registered Nurse Supervisor stated that the call device should be accessible near the resident's hands, and the Director of Nurses reiterated that the call light is intended to ensure timely responses to resident needs and for safety monitoring. A review of the facility's policy on answering call lights also indicated that the call light should be accessible to residents in various locations, including in bed.