Did you know? So many groups per day is not a requirement.

Having a full calendar is not a requirement.

Having lots of people attending a group activity is not the requirement.

A person going to so many activities is not the requirement.

State nursing home and assisted living regulations typically mimic federal and most also do not require a certain number of group activities per day.

It is freeing and foundational to know the regulations well. Knowing exactly what is required is empowering. And, it is the LTC home that is held accountable, not you personally.

Having lots of group activities is a pressure we have put on ourselves. More at blog post: Dispel the Pressure for so many Group Activities.

Unfortunately, there are many myths passed around nursing homes and assisted livings. For example, one I’ve heard is “You have to have one activity at 10 am and one at 2 pm.” I would call this a myth unless a company policy requires it. I recommend to actually hold the mindset to not accept anything anyone tells you at face value. Have them back it by regulation. Ask where it is stated/required. State regs, federal regs, company policies, etc.? See if the person knows for sure where something is officially stated. If so, then look them up yourself. Have a link or your own downloaded copy. Sometimes a company’s policies can also be where standards may come from; it is wise to know the difference.

The CMS federal regulation mentions the provision of groups but does not require any certain number per day, week or month:

CMS Tag F679 Activities

The facility must provide, based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan and the preferences of each resident, an ongoing program to support residents in their choice of activities, both facility-sponsored group and individual activities and independent activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community.

Join me on the next blog to flesh out what is really required by this good federal regulation.

“Knowing regulations brings freedom; you know what is required and what is not“
from GUARDIANS OF NORMAL LIFE.
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It doesn’t have to be so institutional for any of us.