Failure to Implement Communication Interventions for Resident with Aphasia
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to implement care plan interventions for a resident with cerebral infarction and aphasia. The resident was observed to be non-verbal, awake, and alert, but did not have a communication board at the bedside as specified in the care plan. Staff interviews revealed that both a CNA and a licensed nurse were not utilizing available communication tools, such as picture aids or communication binders, to assist the resident. Instead, staff relied solely on gestures to communicate with the resident. A review of the resident's care plan indicated that the use of a communication board was an intended intervention for managing aphasia. However, this intervention was not put into practice, as confirmed by staff interviews and direct observation. The facility's policy required care plans to include measurable objectives and describe the services to be provided, but the specified communication support was not furnished to the resident.