Restorative Care and Rehabilitation
Function first
Restorative care helps residents regain or maintain the highest possible function. Rehabilitative care is often more intensive and goal-directed, but the CNA's role is similar: follow the care plan, encourage independence, and report progress. Know range-of-motion exercises, positioning, contracture prevention, gait belt use, and assistive devices such as walkers and canes. Support the weak side during transfers and never pull a resident up by the arms. Use proper body mechanics.
ADLs and training
Restorative nursing includes bowel and bladder training, self-feeding, dressing, grooming, and ambulation. Set up supplies, cue the resident, and allow time-do not take over. For dysphagia, follow swallowing precautions: sit upright, small bites, no talking, and report coughing or choking. Encourage fluids and activity as ordered. Document what the resident did, not what you did for them.
Traps and rule of thumb
Traps include doing tasks for a resident who can do them, rushing, using a gait belt incorrectly, or ignoring a splint schedule. Worked example: a resident can feed herself but needs setup. Place the tray, open containers, orient her, and step back. If she eats slowly, allow it; do not feed her unless the care plan says to. Rule of thumb: never do for a resident what the resident can safely do for themselves-but safety and the care plan come first.