Failure to Provide Accessible Call Light for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a history of hemiplegia, hemiparesis following a CVA, diabetes, and hypertension, who was dependent on staff for transfers and toileting, was found without access to a working call light after being transferred to bed via mechanical lift. The resident's care plan specifically indicated the need for assistance with activities of daily living and toileting, and included an intervention to encourage the use of a call bell for requesting help. Despite this, the resident did not have a call light within reach, and staff acknowledged the absence, suggesting that the resident could ask roommates to activate their call lights instead. However, one roommate was not sure if they had done so, and another was severely hearing impaired, making this solution unreliable. Further interviews revealed that the resident was unsure how to summon help if needed and would likely have to wait until someone arrived. The facility's policy required that call lights be accessible to residents from their beds or chairs and from each toilet and bathing area, and that defective call lights be reported promptly. The deficiency was identified through observation, interviews with staff, residents, and family members, and review of facility records and policies.