Failure to Assess and Meet Resident Activity Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess and meet the activity needs of all 35 residents, as evidenced by record review, observation, interviews, and review of the activity calendar and job descriptions. The activity calendar showed repetitive and limited activities, such as beverage cart and sit and chat, with only one main activity per day, and little to no evening programming. Observations and staff interviews confirmed that beverage cart and sit and chat were not considered meaningful activities by staff or residents, and that activities were often not conducted as scheduled. Residents and staff reported dissatisfaction with the lack of variety, frequency, and engagement in the activities provided, with some residents expressing boredom and a desire for more options. The memory care unit was particularly affected, with no specialized programming or activities provided for its residents. Observations revealed long periods with no activities, and staff confirmed that activity assessments had not been completed for memory care residents. Residents in this unit were often left without stimulation or opportunities to participate in group activities, and staff noted that when memory care residents were able to leave the unit for activities such as church, their mood improved significantly. However, such opportunities were rare, and the activity staff did not regularly provide or invite memory care residents to participate in activities. One resident with a history of major depression, anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence in remission was specifically noted to have a care plan that included goals and interventions for activity participation, but reported that there were not enough activities to meet his needs. The activity director confirmed that she was the only member of the activity department, with limited time and resources to provide a variety of activities, and that the activity room was not accessible to residents outside of her working hours. The job description for the activity director outlined responsibilities for providing a comprehensive activity program, but these were not being met, as evidenced by the lack of assessments, limited programming, and resident and staff dissatisfaction.