CAD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following assessments specifically helps identify the cognitive functioning of a resident for activity planning purposes? → The Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS)
2. Which assessment tool is commonly used to identify a resident's strengths, interests, and history for activity planning? → The activity intake or interest inventory
3. Music therapy interventions in long-term care have been shown to: → Reduce agitation, improve mood, and stimulate memory in residents with dementia
4. Which federal legislation most significantly shaped activity programming requirements in certified nursing facilities? → Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987
5. Which therapeutic modality uses storytelling and narrative to help residents process life experiences? → Life review therapy
6. Which resource is most useful for finding evidence-based therapeutic activity interventions? → NCTRC and NAAP professional publications
7. F-Tag 679 in the CMS State Operations Manual specifically addresses: → Activity programs in nursing facilities
8. When applying for a community grant to fund activity programming, what is MOST critical to include in the application? → A clear description of resident needs, program goals, and measurable outcomes
9. Which of the following best supports activity staff retention? → Offering professional growth opportunities, recognition, and a supportive work environment
10. Federal regulations require that residents have the right to: → Refuse any activity without fear of reprisal
11. A resident's activity plan should be updated: → At least quarterly or whenever there is a significant change in condition
12. When selecting activities for a diverse resident population, the activity director should prioritize: → Activities that reflect the cultural backgrounds and preferences of residents
13. What is the primary purpose of integrating community resources into a long-term care activity program? → Enriching residents' social connections to the broader community
14. A community business wishes to donate supplies to your activity program. What should the activity director do FIRST? → Verify the donation aligns with residents' needs and facility policies
15. Intergenerational programming in long-term care primarily benefits residents by: → Providing a sense of purpose and connection with younger generations
16. Which of the following is a fundamental resident right protected under federal nursing facility regulations? → The right to privacy, dignity, and respect in all aspects of care
17. Bibliotherapy involves using which of the following as a therapeutic tool? → Books, poetry, and literature to promote emotional and cognitive well-being
18. The MDS (Minimum Data Set) Section F focuses on: → Resident preferences for daily life and activities
19. Which of the following is a passive activity? → Listening to a live music performance
20. Which of the following activities best addresses the physical domain of resident well-being? → Chair yoga
21. A resident-centered care plan is best described as one that: → Incorporates the resident's own goals, preferences, and values into the plan
22. Which of the following best defines 'meaningful activity' in long-term care? → Activities that align with a resident's past interests, values, and current abilities
23. When planning a group activity for residents with varying cognitive abilities, an activity director should: → Adapt the activity so all cognitive levels can participate meaningfully
24. Which of the following therapeutic intervention techniques is based on the idea that movement and dance promote emotional expression and well-being? → Dance/movement therapy
25. Confidentiality of resident activity records is protected under: → HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
26. An activity director who observes a colleague speaking harshly to a resident should: → Intervene to stop the behavior and report it to the appropriate supervisor
27. Which therapeutic approach focuses on validating the feelings and reality of individuals with dementia? → Validation therapy
28. An activity director who wants to advocate for more resources for the activity department should: → Collect data on resident participation and program outcomes to present to administration
29. When a resident refuses an activity, the activity director should document: → The refusal, the reason if known, and any alternative offered
30. Volunteers in the activity department should receive: → An orientation covering facility policies, resident rights, and their specific role