Failure to Provide Communication Aid for Non-English Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a language barrier and moderate cognitive impairment was not provided with a necessary communication aid as outlined in their care plan. The resident, who did not speak or understand English, was admitted with diagnoses including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Major Depressive Disorder, Unspecified Dementia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The care plan specifically indicated the need for a communication board to assist with communication due to the resident's difficulty understanding others. Despite this documented need, multiple observations and staff interviews confirmed that no communication board or aid was present in the resident's room. Staff members, including a CNA and an LPN, reported relying on gestures, pointing, and guessing to determine the resident's needs, as no communication aid was available. Both staff members acknowledged the resident's difficulty with English and confirmed that a communication board was not in use, despite its inclusion in the care plan.