Failure to Ensure Accessible Call Light for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to reasonably accommodate a resident’s needs and preferences by not ensuring an appropriate and accessible call light system. The resident was admitted with major depressive disorder, quadriplegia, low BMI, depression, and a stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer, and had a BIMS score of 13 indicating intact cognition. The resident had impairments on both sides and required assistance with all ADLs. During an observation, the resident was seen lying in bed with the call bell positioned between the bed and side rail, out of reach. The resident reported being unable to use the call bell system and stated that at times he had to ask his roommate to call for help. Further observations showed that on another day the resident was again lying in bed with the call bell placed on a two-drawer dresser, out of reach. The resident stated that he would not have been able to call for help over the weekend if needed. The hospice RN reported that during her visit the call bell had been within reach but she did not think the resident could use it. In a subsequent interview, the administrator confirmed that the call bell was not within reach and the resident reported difficulty using the current call bell system due to mobility issues when it was not appropriately placed at all times.
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