Failure to Provide Accessible Call Lights and Functional Furniture
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call lights were within reach and that functional furniture was provided to accommodate the needs of two residents. For one resident with multiple diagnoses including cognitive communication deficit, unsteadiness, and moderate hearing and vision impairment, observations revealed that the call light was not accessible. The call light cord was found on the floor behind the nightstand, out of the resident's reach, and was easily confused with the cord for the overhead light. The resident demonstrated that she could only access the light switch cord, not the actual call light, and this was confirmed by both nursing staff and the Director of Nursing. Another resident, who had undergone joint replacement and required substantial assistance for mobility and personal care, also did not have access to a call light while seated in her recliner or wheelchair. Observations showed that the call light was under the bed covers or on the floor, both out of reach. The resident indicated she would use a string on the recliner arm, but this was for the room light, not the call system. Additionally, the recliner provided to this resident was not functional for her needs post-surgery, as she was unable to close the footrest without significant force and could not get out of the chair without assistance. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON confirmed that the call light cords were easily confused with light cords and that the recliner was not suitable for a resident recovering from knee surgery. Facility policy required that each resident be provided with a means to call staff for assistance from their bed and other locations, but this was not followed for the two residents involved.