Failure to Provide Ongoing Activities Program for Dementia Unit
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 residents on Nursing Unit 3B, a secure unit for residents with dementia. Review of the activities calendars from January through June 2025 showed that weekends typically had only one scheduled activity, with most Sundays limited to social visits. Observations over several days revealed that residents were often left in the dining room/lounge with only a television program or movie playing, and staff were present but not interacting with residents. On multiple occasions, no structured activities were occurring, and staff were either engaged in personal conversations or using electronic devices rather than engaging with residents. Interviews with staff confirmed that activity programming was minimal, especially during staff vacations, and that there was no additional staff coverage to maintain activity levels during these times. It was also confirmed that residents from Nursing Unit 3B did not participate in activities held on other units. On one occasion, only two out of 37 residents were provided an activity, while the rest had no engagement. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility failed to provide an ongoing program of activities to meet the needs of residents on this unit.