Beyond Bingo: Why Meaningful Resident Engagement is a Risk Management Strategy

In long-term care, "quality of life" is more than a feel-good slogan. It's a regulatory mandate, a standard of care, and increasingly, a risk management concern. For operators, activity programming isn't just about filling calendars; it's about reducing resident distress, improving outcomes, and limiting liability exposure.

At AssuredPartners, we understand that risk management in senior care includes much more than slips and falls. One area that deserves more attention from a coverage and compliance standpoint is meaningful resident engagement.

Activity programming should be rooted in person-centered care, backed by regulatory standards, and designed with resident and operational outcomes in mind.

Activities Are a Resident Right and a Survey Risk

Federal regulations require that every resident has access to an activity program that supports their physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Facilities can be cited under multiple tags (F-tags) if their programs fall short.

That means a calendar filled with bingo and birthday parties won't meet the mark if activities don't meet individual preferences or needs. CMS emphasizes a resident's right to self-determination, which includes choosing how they spend their time and engaging in activities that are both meaningful and appropriate to their abilities.

Meaningful Engagement Supports Better Outcomes

Residents who are bored or socially isolated are more likely to experience behavioral health challenges, which can lead to unnecessary medication use, staff burnout, or preventable incidents. For residents with dementia or mental illness, a well-matched activity can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention.

Facilities that approach activities with intention and insight often see measurable benefits: fewer behavioral episodes, improved mood scores, better survey results, and stronger staff morale.

Compliance Begins with Knowing the Individual

A strong activity program starts with assessment. CMS Section F, part of the MDS, focuses on the resident's preferences and routines. This is the one area where family and friends can help provide input if the resident is unable to do so directly.

What matters most is that activities are relevant and accessible. If a resident enjoys gardening but no longer has the mobility to do so safely, that interest needs to be adapted. When activities align with both personal interests and current functional abilities, they are more likely to be meaningful and more likely to prevent avoidable distress.

Culture Change That Reduces Liability

Engagement goes beyond programming—it's part of the care culture. Shifting from task-based to person-centered care helps prevent problems before they start. For example:

• Residents with structured one-on-one engagement are less likely to wander or display agitation.
• When offered calming, individualized alternatives, those with behavioral health diagnoses may avoid crisis episodes.
• Younger residents are more likely to respond to activities that reflect their preferences, like digital games or music apps.

These kinds of adjustments do more than improve resident satisfaction. They help staff meet regulatory expectations and document quality care in ways that protect the organization.

Where Insurance and Quality Intersect

At AssuredPartners, we help our healthcare clients see the connection between quality and risk. We understand that supporting your staff and empowering your residents isn't just good care; it's good business. Whether evaluating activity programs through a risk lens or ensuring your policies cover the nuances of behavioral health exposures, our Healthcare Practice is here to help.

If your team is reviewing care plans or preparing for a survey, now is the time to consider how your activity program supports resident engagement and your overall risk strategy.

Let's discuss how your insurance program can better support your commitment to person-centered care.