Non-Functioning Call Light in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of hemiplegia following a stroke, a history of falls, and moderate cognitive impairment was found to have a non-functioning call light in their room. During an observation, the call light was tested and found not to be operating. The Registered Nurse Supervisor confirmed the call light was not working and noted it needed to be plugged in to function. After plugging it in, the call light operated properly. The resident's records indicated they had the capacity to understand and make decisions, and the facility's policy required that all residents be shown how to use the call light and demonstrate its use upon admission. The Director of Nursing confirmed that all residents should have a functioning call light to alert staff of their needs. The facility's policy also stated that staff should ensure the call light is within easy reach and operable for residents when they are in bed, a wheelchair, or a chair in the room. The failure to ensure the call light was functioning as required led to the deficiency.