Failure to Keep Resident Call Light Within Reach as Care Planned
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident’s call light was kept within reach as required by the facility’s “CALL LIGHT” policy and the resident’s care plan. The policy stated the purpose of the call light system was to respond to residents’ requests and needs. The resident, who had dementia and an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, had a fall risk care plan initiated on 06/26/2024 that included an intervention to keep the call light within reach and encourage the resident to use it for assistance. On three consecutive survey days, the resident was observed lying in bed with the call light not within reach. On 02/18/2026 at 8:00 AM, the call light was on the floor beneath the bed. On 02/19/2026 at 7:56 AM, the call light was again on the floor beneath the bed while the resident was in bed. On 02/20/2026 at 9:03 AM, the call light was observed on the floor at the head of the bed while the resident was lying in bed. During an interview, the resident’s assigned CNA for the 7–3 shift acknowledged the call light was on the floor and stated that call lights should be within residents’ reach so they can call for help. The DON also stated that call lights should be within residents’ reach so they can tell staff if they need anything.
