Failure to Provide Adequate Resident Activities and Engagement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide activities that met the interests and supported the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of all residents, particularly in the secured unit and on weekends. Observations revealed that residents were often left without structured activities, with some wandering the hallways or sitting idly at tables. The activities coordinator (ACT) was frequently the only staff member present to supervise and conduct activities, and was often interrupted to manage behavioral issues, leaving residents without consistent engagement. On weekends, there were no dedicated activities staff, and residents relied on limited options such as coloring, puzzles, or watching TV, with no formal activities provided. Interviews with staff and residents confirmed the lack of meaningful activities, especially during weekends and evenings. Residents described feeling bored and under-stimulated, with some expressing that all they did was smoke or play games they retrieved themselves. Staff members, including CNAs and LVNs, reported difficulty in providing activities due to staffing shortages and competing responsibilities, such as supervising residents or managing behaviors. The ACT and other staff noted that interruptions and lack of support made it challenging to keep residents engaged throughout the day. A review of the activities calendar showed that while some activities were scheduled, they were limited in scope and frequency, particularly on weekends. The facility's policy required a comprehensive activity program tailored to individual needs and interests, including social, physical, creative, and religious activities, offered at convenient times, including evenings and weekends. However, the observed and reported practices did not align with these requirements, resulting in unmet needs for resident engagement and well-being.