Resident Input Isn’t Optional: What AHCA Expects to See in Your Activity Program

Resident Input Isn’t Optional: What AHCA Expects to See in Your Activity Program
Resident Input Isn’t Optional: What AHCA Expects to See in Your Activity Program

Activities aren’t just something nice to do — they’re part of your resident care standards under Florida regulations.

According to 59A-36.007(2)(b), every facility must go beyond simply providing activities. You’re required to consult with residents when selecting, planning, and scheduling them — and be able to show proof of that participation.

This might sound simple, but it’s one of those areas that AHCA pays close attention to — and many facilities fall short.

What the Regulation Says

Here’s exactly what the rule states:

“The facility must consult with the residents in selecting, planning, and scheduling activities. The facility must demonstrate residents’ participation through one or more of the following methods: resident meetings, committees, a resident council, a monitored suggestion box, group discussions, questionnaires, or any other form of communication appropriate to the size of the facility.”

In short — it’s not enough to have a full activity calendar.

You need to demonstrate that residents were involved in shaping it.

What AHCA Looks for During Survey

When surveyors review your activities, they’re not just looking at the calendar — they’re looking at how it was created.

They may ask:

  • “How do residents give input on activities?” 
  • “Do you have meeting minutes or a resident council?” 
  • “Where’s your suggestion box?” 
  • “Can you show me documentation of resident feedback?” 

They’re verifying that your program is resident-driven — not just staff-driven.

How to Show Resident Participation

The regulation gives you flexibility — you can use one or more methods that fit the size and structure of your facility.

Here are some effective ways to demonstrate resident involvement:

  • 🗓️ Resident Meetings: Host a monthly meeting to discuss past activities and plan new ones. Keep sign-in sheets and meeting notes. 
  • 💬 Resident Council: Have a small group of residents meet regularly to represent the voice of the larger group. 
  • 📥 Suggestion Box: Install a monitored suggestion box in a common area and review it monthly. 
  • 🧠 Group Discussions: Ask for feedback during meals or morning meetings — informal input counts when documented. 
  • 📝 Questionnaires or Surveys: Hand out short surveys asking what residents enjoy or want to see more of. 

👉 The key: Document it.

You don’t have to use all these methods — but you must be able to show how residents participate.

The Common Mistake

Here’s where many facilities get cited:

They have great activities that residents love — but no documentation showing that residents had a voice in planning them.

Even if your calendar is full and residents are engaged, AHCA can still issue a deficiency if there’s no proof of consultation.

It’s not about how good your activities are — it’s about how you involved your residents.

Best Practice Tip

Create a simple “Resident Activity Input Log.”

This can be a single page or notebook where staff record feedback throughout the month. Include:

  • The date 
  • The resident’s name (or initials) 
  • The suggestion or comment 
  • Whether it was added to the next activity calendar 

This quick record can be your safety net during a survey — and it’s an easy way to show ongoing engagement.

Final Thought

Your activity program isn’t just about keeping residents busy — it’s about giving them a voice in their daily life.

When you involve residents in planning, you’re not just meeting a regulation — you’re building a sense of ownership, purpose, and community.

So ask, listen, document, and follow through.

Because to AHCA, resident participation isn’t optional — it’s essential.