Failure to Provide Resident-Centered Activity Program and Outings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide an ongoing, resident-centered activity program aligned with individual care plans for 17 residents who enjoyed activities outside of their rooms. The deficiency was identified through record review, interviews, and observations, which revealed that scheduled activities listed on the facility's monthly activity calendar for July, August, and September were not consistently provided. There were multiple documented instances where activities were cancelled or not offered, such as chair yoga and cooking groups, due to staff being pulled to provide direct resident care or because of administrative decisions. The activity department was frequently closed or partially closed, and staff reported being reassigned to other duties, resulting in the cancellation of planned activities. Residents expressed disappointment and sadness over the lack of activities and outings, with several stating that they missed specific events like balloon toss, Walmart trips, and community outings. Residents with dementia were specifically excluded from outings, despite their care plans not requiring 1:1 supervision and their history of safely attending such events. Staff interviews confirmed that the administrator prohibited residents with dementia from participating in outings, and also restricted the use of the facility van for outings due to staffing and financial concerns. Additionally, cooking groups were cancelled by the administrator, citing concerns about food usage and meal planning. The facility's own policies required the provision of meaningful, age-appropriate activities, including outings and special events, to meet the needs and preferences of all residents, including those with dementia. However, the report documents that these policies were not followed, and residents' individualized activity preferences, as outlined in their care plans, were not honored. The lack of consistent activity programming and outings led to residents feeling isolated, bored, and unhappy, as directly stated in their interviews.