Inaccessible Emergency Call Light in Bathroom
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the emergency call light system in a resident's bathroom was accessible to the resident while on the floor. During observation, the call light cord in the bathroom was found to be approximately three feet above the floor, making it inaccessible if the resident were to fall. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, difficulty ambulating, and a history of falls, required supervision or touch assistance for toilet use. The resident reported using the restroom with minimal assistance and would call for help if needed. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN and the Director of Maintenance, confirmed that the call light cord's length could prevent a resident from reaching it in the event of a fall. The facility's policy required that the call system be accessible to residents at each toilet and bathing facility, including for those lying on the floor. The deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, and was specific to one resident reviewed for call light accessibility.