Inadequate Space Provided for Resident Council Meetings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate space for resident council meetings, as evidenced by observations and interviews. During a resident council meeting, six residents in wheelchairs were seated in an empty resident room, which was reported to be insufficient to accommodate all interested participants. One resident, who was cognitively intact and able to express her needs, stated that meetings were sometimes held in her room or other empty resident rooms, but these spaces were not large enough for all residents wishing to attend. She also expressed discomfort with having meetings in her personal room. The Activity Director confirmed that space was limited and that more residents would participate if a larger area were available. As a result, some meetings were conducted one-on-one in residents' rooms instead of as group sessions. The Administrator acknowledged that there was no specific room assigned for resident council meetings and that meetings typically took place in empty resident rooms. Review of the facility's policy indicated that the resident council should be provided with space, privacy, and support to conduct meetings, which was not being met at the time of the survey.