Failure to Provide Communication Device in Resident's Preferred Language
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a primary language of Chinese and diagnoses including dysphagia, hypertension, and a need for assistance with personal care was not provided with a communication device or board in her preferred language. The resident's Minimum Data Set indicated moderately impaired cognitive skills and dependence on staff for multiple activities of daily living (ADLs), with a documented need or desire for an interpreter to communicate with healthcare staff. The resident's care plan included interventions such as speaking clearly, explaining procedures, and utilizing translators or communication devices as indicated. During multiple observations and interviews, it was found that the resident did not have access to a communication board or device in Chinese, either at her bedside, on her wheelchair, or in the activity room where she spent significant time. Staff, including the Activity Assistant and Activity Director, confirmed the absence of such a device and acknowledged the difficulty in communicating with the resident. The resident herself reported often relying on gestures to communicate her needs and expressed a wish to speak English to better express herself. The facility's Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are required to provide communication boards or devices in the resident's spoken language, but acknowledged that this was not done for the resident in question. Facility policies reviewed indicated that communication needs should be identified and addressed through care planning, and that appropriate support should be provided for residents unable to carry out ADLs independently, including assistance with communication.