Failure to Provide Meaningful Activities for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a program of meaningful activities designed to support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of two residents. For one resident with severe cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, observations over multiple days revealed she was repeatedly left sitting in front of a television with the sound off, with little to no staff interaction or engagement in meaningful activities. Despite her care plan indicating preferences for group and independent activities, and the use of a baby doll and communication in her native language, staff did not consistently offer her these interventions. She was not routinely invited to group activities, and staff rarely used available translation tools to communicate with her in Japanese, as outlined in her care plan. Staff interviews confirmed a lack of awareness and implementation of her activity and communication needs. Another resident, who was moderately cognitively impaired and had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, epilepsy, and diabetes, was also observed sitting in a common area without access to meaningful activities. The television was not turned on, and staff did not engage him in conversation or offer activities while he was present in the common area. His care plan indicated interests in reading, religious activities, and spending time outside, but there was no evidence that these preferences were being met. His representative noted he was an avid reader and active in his faith, but had not seen reading materials or opportunities for faith-based activities provided to him. Record reviews and staff interviews further revealed gaps in the implementation of activity care plans for both residents. Activity participation logs were incomplete or missing, and staff were not consistently inviting or assisting residents to attend activities aligned with their preferences. Communication between the activities department and nursing staff was lacking, resulting in missed opportunities to provide individualized and meaningful engagement for residents with significant cognitive and physical limitations.