Failure to Provide Accessible Call Light for Resident with Physical Limitations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an adaptive call light for a resident with multiple sclerosis who was unable to operate a standard button call light. The resident had previously been given a pad call light that she could use, but it broke and was removed by the facility for repair, after which it was not returned. During an observation of a transfer using a mechanical lift, the resident confirmed she had no means to call for assistance in her room. Staff interviews corroborated that the resident was unable to use the standard pendant call light and that alternative solutions, such as a bell, were not consistently available or accessible. Facility policy requires that residents be provided with a means of communication with nursing staff, but this was not met for the resident in question.