Failure to Provide Resident Activities During COVID-19 Outbreak
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an ongoing program of activities to meet the interests and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident for four out of five weeks. This deficiency was identified through a review of facility policy and documents, as well as interviews with residents and staff. The facility's policy on activities, dated January 12, 2025, indicated that a resident-centered Life Enrichment Program should be provided based on comprehensive assessments and care plans. However, during the period from December 10, 2024, through January 16, 2025, the facility did not adhere to this policy. Interviews with residents revealed that there were no activities available, and they were confined to their rooms, leading to feelings of boredom. The deficiency was further corroborated by staff interviews, which revealed that the facility had a COVID-19 outbreak beginning on November 29, 2024, and group activities were suspended as a result. The Activities Director confirmed that all group activities were canceled, and no modifications were made to adapt activities with social distancing or limited group sizes. The Director of Nursing and the Infection Preventionist instructed the suspension of group activities, and the facility did not provide alternative means to engage residents during this period, failing to meet the regulatory requirement for an ongoing program of activities.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively go back and make corrections for Residents #5 and #52 regarding activities. Moving forward, the facility will provide activities to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. To identify residents that have the potential to be affected, the Activities Director/designee completed an audit of current resident scheduled events to ensure residents are provided the opportunity to engage in group activities. Corrections will be made as needed. To prevent this from recurring, the NHA educated the Activity Director on the Regulatory Requirement of F679 and ensuring activities are provided to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. To prevent this from recurring, the Activity Director is to provide the NHA with an updated monthly calendar of scheduled events for the next 30 days. To monitor and maintain ongoing compliance, the NHA/designee will audit resident events weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly for 2 months to ensure activities meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. Negative findings will be addressed. Ad Hoc education will be provided as needed. The results of the audits will be forwarded to the facility Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee for further review and recommendations.