California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

If resident participation in activities declines, what steps should the facility administrator take?

1. Hire a new activity director immediately

2. Hold a meeting with residents to express frustrations

3. Schedule a family council meeting to discuss concerns

4. Increase activity fees for families

The correct answer is: Schedule a family council meeting to discuss concerns

Engaging families through a council meeting is a proactive step that can help address the decline in resident participation in activities. Involving family members allows the facility administrator to gather valuable insights and feedback regarding the interests and needs of the residents. Family members often have a better understanding of what activities may appeal to their loved ones and can provide suggestions that the facility might not have considered. Additionally, conducting a family council meeting fosters a sense of community and collaboration between the facility, residents, and their families. It encourages open communication about any barriers to participation, ensuring that the facility can tailor its programming to better meet residents' preferences. This approach can lead to increased engagement from both residents and families, ultimately enhancing the quality of activities offered. Other options, while they may seem beneficial, might not adequately address the underlying issue or could exacerbate it. For example, hiring a new activity director without first understanding the reasons for the decline could be premature and potentially waste resources. Similarly, holding a meeting to express frustrations might not provide constructive solutions and could lead to feelings of discontent rather than collaboration. Increasing activity fees could discourage participation even further, creating financial barriers for families. Thus, involving families in constructive dialogue is a more effective strategy for improving resident engagement in activities.