Failure to Provide Ongoing, Individualized Activity Program
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide an ongoing activity program that met the individualized needs and documented preferences of residents. For one resident with anoxic brain damage, a persistent vegetative state, muscle weakness, and a sleep disorder, surveyors repeatedly observed the resident in bed or in a high-back wheelchair with eyes open and no music or television on in the room, despite the care plan directing that music and television be left on during the day. The care plan, based on family input, indicated the resident enjoyed music and being read to and was dependent on staff to anticipate needs. During interview, the Activity Director stated she believed CNAs were responsible for ensuring the resident’s television or radio was on, but there was no indication this was consistently done. Another resident, cognitively intact per the MDS and with diagnoses including end stage renal disease, heart failure, and weakness, reported that there were not enough activities and that there was no variety, leading her to stay in her room most of the time. She acknowledged that bingo was offered but expressed a desire for additional options such as arts and crafts, card games, music, and going outside in good weather. Her care plan and preference evaluation documented that it was very important to her to have access to books, magazines, newspapers, music, group activities, going outdoors, and religious services. The Activity Director reported she had started in her role a few months earlier, that there had been no dedicated activity assistant for the LTC side until the previous day, and that she was frequently in meetings, limiting her availability. The facility’s own activity policy stated it would provide an ongoing activity program to support resident choices and promote self-esteem, pleasure, comfort, education, creativity, success, and independence, which was not consistently implemented for these residents.
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