Failure to Facilitate Resident Council Meetings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the Resident Council with the opportunity to hold meetings for three months, specifically September, October, and November of 2024. This deficiency was identified through a review of facility policy, documentation, and interviews with residents and staff. The facility's policy, titled "Resident Council Meetings," mandates that the council meets at least quarterly or as determined by the group. However, residents reported that meetings were not arranged during the specified months due to staffing issues in the activities department. The activity director and another staff member had resigned, leaving only one part-time activity aide to manage the department. During a Resident Group meeting attended by four alert and oriented residents and the Ombudsman, it was confirmed that the lack of meetings was due to the absence of sufficient staff to organize them. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged the facility's failure to provide the Resident Group with the opportunity for meetings during the specified months. This deficiency is in violation of the residents' rights to organize and participate in resident groups as outlined in the regulations.
Plan Of Correction
The Resident Council will be interviewed to see when they would like to have their meetings. No residents were affected by not having 3 months of resident council. Resident Council education was given to the Activity Director. A monthly review of resident council minutes will be completed by Administrator or designee. Findings will be discussed at quality assurance and process improvement meetings.