Promotion of Function and Health of Residents
Independence is the goal
Restorative care means helping residents do what they can for themselves, even when it takes longer. Doing everything for a resident builds dependency and speeds loss of function. Encourage self-feeding, self-dressing, and participation; provide set-up and cues rather than total assistance.
Mobility and alignment
Range of motion - active when the resident moves the joint, passive when you move it - keeps joints flexible. Never force a joint or push past pain. Position in body alignment, support the limbs, and turn and reposition at least every two hours to prevent pressure injury. Look at skin at every turn and report redness that does not blanch. Ambulate with a gait belt, the correct device, non-skid footwear, and stand on the resident's weaker side.
Nutrition and fluids
Know prescribed diets and thickened-liquid levels, and never offer food or fluid that is not allowed. For swallowing problems: sit upright, chin slightly tucked, small bites, alternate bites with fluids, and stop if the resident coughs or pockets food. Offer fluids often - dark urine, dry mouth, and new confusion suggest dehydration. Measure intake and output accurately and record the percentage of food eaten.
Elimination and rest
Follow bowel and bladder programs, answer call lights promptly, and give privacy. Toileting before bed and a quiet routine support sleep; avoid waking residents who do not need to be woken.
Traps
"Which is best?" favors the answer that keeps the resident doing the task. Do not force a joint, do not push thin fluids when thickened liquids are ordered, and do not skip repositioning just because the resident is sleeping.
Rule of thumb
Preserve function: help, do not take over.