SECTION 553.309. Activities Program

(a) A facility must encourage socialization, cognitive awareness, self-expression, and physical activity in a planned and structured activities program. Activities must be individualized, based upon the resident assessment, and appropriate for each resident's abilities.

(b) The activity program must contain a balanced mixture of activities addressing cognitive, recreational, and activity of daily living (ADL) needs.

(1) Cognitive activities include arts, crafts, storytelling, poetry readings, writing, music, reading, discussion, reminiscences, and reviews of current events.

(2) Recreational activities include all socially interactive activities, such as board games and cards, and physical exercise. Care of pets is encouraged.

(3) Self-care ADLs include grooming, bathing, dressing, oral care, and eating. Occupational ADLs include cleaning, dusting, cooking, gardening, and yard work. Residents must be allowed to perform self-care ADLs as long as they are able, to promote independence and self-worth.

(c) Residents must be encouraged, but never forced, to participate in activities. Residents who choose not to participate in a large group activity must be offered at least one small group or one-on-one activity per day.

(d) Facilities must have an employee responsible for leading activities.

(1) Facilities with 16 or fewer residents must designate an employee to plan, supply, implement, and record activities.

(2) Facilities with 17 or more residents must employ, at a minimum, an activity director for 20 hours weekly. The activity director must be a qualified professional who:

(A) is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist, a therapeutic recreation assistant, or an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body, such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, or the Consortium for Therapeutic Recreation/Activities Certification, Inc.;

(B) has two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one year of which was full-time in an activities program in a health care setting; or

(C) has completed an activity director training course approved by the National Association for Activity Professionals or the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.

(e) The activity director or designee must review each resident's medical and social history, preferences, and dislikes, in determining appropriate activities for the resident. Activities must be tailored to each resident's unique requirements and skills.

(f) The activities program must provide opportunities for group and individual settings. On weekdays, each resident must be offered at least one cognitive activity, two recreational activities, and three ADL activities each day. The cognitive and recreational activities (structured activities) must be at least 30 minutes in duration, with a minimum of six and a half hours of structured activity for the entire week. At least an hour and a half of structured activities must be provided during the weekend and must include at least one cognitive activity and one physical activity.

(g) The activity director or designee must create a monthly activities schedule. Structured activities should occur at the same time and place each week to ensure a consistent routine within the facility.

(h) The activity director or designee must annually attend at least six hours of continuing education regarding Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.

(i) Special equipment and supplies necessary to accommodate persons with a physical disability or other persons with special needs must be provided as appropriate.

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.309 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 2017