Call Light Not Kept Within Reach of Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to keep the call light within reach of a resident who was dependent on assistance for mobility and activities of daily living. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including dementia, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, and parkinsonism, and was assessed as having severely impaired cognition and being at risk for falls. The resident's care plan specifically required that the call light be kept within reach and that staff anticipate and meet the resident's needs. During an observation, the call light cord was found hanging on the wall with the call button placed at the foot of the bed, out of the resident's reach. A CNA stated that the call light was placed there because the resident would throw it away, acknowledging that the resident would not be able to use it to call for help. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the call light was not within reach and stated that it was the responsibility of all staff to ensure proper placement, as outlined in the facility's policy and procedure. The DON also noted that staff are expected to check call light placement every two hours. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that call cords are to be placed within the resident's reach. The staff did not follow this policy, resulting in the resident being unable to summon assistance as needed.