Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure reasonable accommodation of needs and preferences for a resident by not maintaining the call light system in an accessible position. On the date of observation, the resident, who had Alzheimer's disease, moderate cognitive impairment, and muscle wasting, was found lying in bed with the call light on the floor, out of reach. The resident confirmed she could not access the call light and requested assistance from the surveyor. The Director of Nursing (DON) entered the room, observed the call light on the floor, and repositioned it within the resident's reach. The DON stated that the call light should always be accessible to the resident. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA, an LVN, and the Administrator, confirmed the expectation that call lights should be within reach of all residents to ensure they can communicate their needs and request help. The resident's care plan specifically included an intervention to keep the call light within reach due to her risk for falls and need for assistance with self-care and mobility. Facility policy also required that call lights be accessible to residents when in bed.