Failure to Provide Alternative Communication Methods for Non-English Speaking Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement alternative communication methods for a resident with severe cognitive impairment whose preferred language was Spanish. The resident had diagnoses including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder, and diabetes mellitus, and required substantial staff assistance for activities of daily living. The resident's care plan did not include an individualized area addressing communication needs. Observations showed that staff were unable to effectively communicate with the resident, as most did not speak Spanish and resorted to gestures or told the resident to speak English. The lack of Spanish-speaking staff and absence of communication tools led to repeated instances where the resident became agitated, anxious, or cried out in Spanish without being understood. Interviews with staff confirmed that communication barriers existed, with staff acknowledging they often did not know what the resident wanted or was saying. Staff reported that the resident would become frustrated and agitated when not understood, and medication was administered to manage this agitation. Although an application to assist with communication was mentioned, it had not been downloaded or made available to staff. The facility was unable to provide a policy for communication, further indicating a lack of structured approach to address the resident's communication needs.