Restorative Care and Mobility
Restorative philosophy
Restorative care helps residents regain and keep function: doing with the resident, not for them. Follow the care plan for range of motion, ambulation distance, and devices. Active range of motion is performed by the resident; passive range of motion is performed for the resident by the aide. Never force a joint; stop if the resident reports pain. Praise effort and report pain, fatigue, and changes in function.
Mobility devices
A cane is held on the stronger, unaffected side. With a walker, the resident lifts and moves the walker forward, then steps into it with the weaker leg first, followed by the stronger leg. Apply a gait belt around the waist over clothing, and never let a resident hold your neck or use the gait belt as a lifting handle. Lock the wheelchair brakes and swing the footrests away before a transfer, then pivot toward the resident's stronger side.
Traps
Pulling a resident up by the arms or under the shoulders. Forgetting to lock the brakes. Letting a resident who has been independent become dependent because the aide does everything for them. Failing to report a new loss of function or a fall.
Rule of thumb
Let the resident do the work. Provide only the amount of help needed to keep them safe.