Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide reasonable accommodation of resident needs and preferences by not ensuring that a resident's call light was within reach. Observation revealed that the resident, who had multiple diagnoses including COPD, memory deficit, cerebral infarction, dysphagia, cognitive communication deficit, altered mental status, and vascular dementia, was in bed calling out into the hallway because the call light was placed on the bedside table out of her reach. The resident attempted to use the bed remote instead of the call light, as she could not find the call light within her reach. The resident's care plan specifically indicated that she was at high risk for falls and required the call light to be within reach to request assistance as needed, as well as prompt responses to all requests for help. Interviews with staff revealed that the LVN was unaware the resident could not reach the call light and was unsure how long the resident had been without it. The CNA who assisted the resident to bed stated that the call light was placed next to the resident earlier and was not aware of anyone moving it. The facility's policy required the call system to be accessible to residents while in bed or other sleeping accommodations. The deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, confirming that the call light was not within the resident's reach as required by her care plan and facility policy.