Call Light Not Accessible for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident, who was unable to move her left side due to a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and required substantial assistance for bed mobility, did not have her call light within reach while in bed. The resident reported that a CNA entered her room at night, took her call light away, and told her she was using it too much. Observations confirmed that the call light was placed on the nightstand, out of the resident's reach, and staff interviews corroborated that the resident could not have moved the call light herself due to her physical limitations. Staff interviews further revealed that the resident frequently used her call light for assistance, particularly at night, and facility policy required that the call light be accessible and secured for residents. The care plan for the resident specifically indicated the need to encourage her to use the call bell for assistance, given her self-care deficits. Despite these requirements, the call light was not accessible, resulting in a failure to accommodate the resident's needs and preferences as required.