Section 520. Activity/recreational requirements

A. In facilities licensed for residential living care only, there shall be at least 11 hours of scheduled activities available to the residents each week for no less than one hour each day.

B. In facilities licensed for both residential and assisted living care, there shall be at least 14 hours of scheduled activities available to the residents each week for no less than one hour each day.

C. Activities shall be varied and shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following categories: physical, social, cognitive/intellectual/creative, productive, sensory, reflective/contemplative, outdoor, and nature/natural world. Community resources as well as facility resources may be used to provide activities. Any given activity may fall under more than one category.

D. Activities shall be planned under the supervision of the administrator or other qualified staff person who shall encourage involvement of residents and staff in the planning.

E. The activities shall take into consideration individual differences in age, health status, sensory deficits, lifestyle, ethnicity, religious affiliation, values, experiences, needs, interests, abilities, and skills by providing opportunities for a variety of types of activities and levels of involvement.

F. Activities shall:

1. Meaningfully support the physical, social, mental, and emotional abilities and skills of residents; and

2. Promote or maintain the resident's highest level of independence or functioning.

G. There shall be a written schedule of activities that meets the following criteria:

1. The schedule of activities shall be developed at least monthly.

2. The schedule shall include:

a. Group activities for all residents or small groups of residents; and

b. The name, type, date and hour of the activity.

3. If one activity is substituted for another, the change shall be noted on the schedule.

4. The current month's schedule shall be posted in a conspicuous location in the facility or otherwise be made available to residents and their families.

5. The schedule of activities for the past two years shall be kept at the facility.

6. If a resident requires an individual schedule of activities, that schedule shall be a part of the individualized service plan.

H. Adequate supplies and equipment appropriate for the program activities shall be available in the facility.

I. Resident participation in activities.

1. Residents shall be encouraged but not forced to participate in activity programs offered by the facility and the community.

2. During an activity, each resident shall be encouraged but not coerced to join in at his level, to include observing.

3. Any restrictions on participation imposed by a physician shall be documented in the resident's record.

J. During a programmed activity, there shall be an adequate number of staff persons or volunteers to lead the activity, to assist the residents with the activity, to supervise the general area, and to re-direct any individuals who require different activities.

K. All equipment and supplies used shall be accounted for at the end of the activity so that a safe environment can be maintained.

L. The staff person or volunteer leading the activity shall have a general understanding of the following:

1. Attention spans and functional levels of the residents in the group;

2. Methods to adapt the activity to meet the needs and abilities of the residents;

3. Various methods of engaging and motivating individuals to participate; and

4. The importance of providing appropriate instruction, education, and guidance throughout the activity.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 06, eff. December 28, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1732 of the Code of Virginia.