Failure to Provide Specialized Memory Care Services and Activities
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide specialized memory care services as advertised for all residents residing on the memory care unit. Record review showed that multiple residents with diagnoses such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and other cognitive impairments were admitted to the unit. Despite facility brochures and fliers promoting a specialized memory care program, interviews with staff and observations revealed that no specific memory care program or specialized activities were implemented. The activities provided to memory care residents were the same as those offered to the rest of the facility, and there was no separate activity calendar or tailored programming for the memory care unit. Observations on the memory care unit showed a lack of engagement and stimulation for residents, with minimal activities occurring and residents often left sitting in common areas or in their rooms without interaction. Staff interviews confirmed that the activity director was unable to provide activities for the memory care unit due to other responsibilities, and activity assessments for these residents were not completed until after they were requested by surveyors. The only activities listed, such as beverage cart and sit and chat, were not consistently provided, and staff did not consider them meaningful activities. Residents were not routinely invited to participate in facility-wide activities, and the activity room was locked when the activity director was not present. Staffing on the memory care unit was consistently reported as inadequate, with only one aide assigned per shift, leading to periods when residents were left unsupervised while staff attended to individual care needs. Staff and family interviews expressed concerns about resident safety and the lack of engagement, stimulation, and supervision. Families reported not being informed about the benefits of memory care and expressed expectations for more specialized activities and higher staffing levels. The facility's own policies and job descriptions outlined requirements for individualized activity programming and assessments, which were not met for the memory care residents.