Call Light Not Kept Within Reach of Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed in bed without the call light pull cord within reach. The call light was affixed to the upper aspect of the right-side rail, making it inaccessible to the resident. When asked, the resident stated they could not find the string to call for help. The resident's medical record indicated diagnoses including diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasm of the breast, and osteoarthritis of the right knee. The most recent Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment showed the resident had intact cognition but required maximum assistance for activities of daily living. The resident's individualized care plan included interventions to ensure the call light was within reach due to a risk for falls. During the survey, the assigned CNA confirmed that the call light should have been placed within the resident's reach. Facility policy also required that call lights be positioned conveniently and within reach of residents. The failure to ensure the call light was accessible constituted a failure to reasonably accommodate the resident's needs and preferences.