Failure to Provide Individualized Activity Program for Resident with Cognitive Impairment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a personalized and ongoing activity program for one resident with severe cognitive impairment, as required. The resident, an 86-year-old with dementia, anxiety, mood disturbance, and heart failure, was assessed as having a strong interest in religious activities and animal visits. Despite these documented preferences, the care plan and activity participation records did not include or reflect these interests. Observations over several days showed the resident sitting alone in her wheelchair, not engaged in meaningful activities, and not invited to participate in group activities occurring nearby. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident required reminders and assistance to attend activities, but there was no evidence that her specific interests in religious services or animal visits were addressed or offered. The activity care plan only listed general group activities such as Bingo and music, and interventions were limited to providing a calendar and reminders. The resident's representative also confirmed the importance of religious activities and animal visits to the resident's well-being. Participation records for the previous month showed no evidence that the resident was offered or participated in religious or animal-related activities. Staff acknowledged the need for encouragement and individualized approaches but did not implement these for the resident's stated preferences, resulting in a failure to meet her psychosocial and activity needs.