Failure to Provide Meaningful Activities for Dependent Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meaningful activities for two dependent residents, both of whom were at risk for social isolation. One resident, admitted with anxiety and sepsis and assessed as cognitively intact, expressed interest in group activities such as painting and crosswords, and valued social interaction. Despite this, there was no activity care plan addressing these interests, and the resident did not participate in any activities for 30 days. Staff interviews revealed that CNAs were unaware of the resident's preferences due to the absence of an activity care plan, and the Activities Director did not ensure residents were personally invited or that staff had access to necessary information. The resident was not informed about scheduled group activities and expressed disappointment at missing them. Another resident, admitted on hospice with cancer and dementia, also had an activity assessment indicating a strong preference for reading, music, being outdoors, and group activities. However, the care plan only generically stated staff should escort the resident to activities as desired, without specifying the resident's interests. Over a month, this resident did not attend any activities and was observed spending time in bed or in the room with a CNA present. Staff interviews indicated that resident-specific activities were often not included in care plans, and CNAs did not know what to offer if the resident could not communicate preferences. The Activities Director and DNS acknowledged the lack of meaningful activities and individualized care planning for this resident.