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Rehabilitation vs Restorative Care

Unit 9 Lesson 4

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Outline the differences between rehabilitation and restorative care
Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the rehabilitation and restorative care process

Student Learning Outcomes

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Rehabilitation

Involves specialists like speech, occupational, and physical therapists
Focus on returning individuals to their pre-injury or pre-illness function

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Restorative Care

Begins after reaching maximum rehabilitation potential
Aims to maintain the highest achieved level of function
Nurse’s Aide Role

Execute restorative care strategies from the therapy team
Ensure continuity and consistency in daily care routines

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

What is the primary goal of restorative care for a resident who has completed rehabilitation?

A) To prepare the resident for potential future hospital visits.

B) To maintain the level of function achieved during rehabilitation.

C) To explore alternative therapies not covered in rehabilitation.

D) To reduce the frequency of therapy team interventions.

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Key Components of Restorative Care

Ambulation Assistance

Helping with walking to improve mobility

Range-of-Motion Exercises

Both passive and active exercises to prevent stiffness

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Supporting tasks like bathing, dressing

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Proper application to enhance mobility and function

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident has been recovering from a hip fracture and has reached their highest level of functioning through rehabilitation. Which actions should the nurse aide prioritize to maintain the resident’s mobility?

A) Encourage daily ambulation with support as needed.

B) Ensure the resident rests for most of the day to prevent overexertion.

C) Focus on passive range-of-motion exercises three times a week.

D) Provide assistance only when the resident explicitly requests it.

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Documentation

Integral for maintaining residents' independence
Required for Medicare and compliance with MDS assessments
Tracks progress and highlights areas needing attention

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Conducting Restorative Care

Individual Activities

Focused, personalized care

Group Activities

Interactive sessions to encourage participation

Safety and Technique

Emphasis on correct methods to prevent injuries
Continuous monitoring for safety

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident expresses pain during a restorative range-of-motion exercise. What is the immediate course of action for the nurse’s aide?

A) Slow down the exercise and observe for improvement.

B) Stop the exercise and report the pain to the supervising nurse.

C) Continue with caution to see if the pain subsides.

D) Explain to the resident that some discomfort is normal and continue.

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Resident Participation Challenges

Cognitive Deficits

Difficulty understanding benefits

Long-term Dependence

Resistance due to past reliance on others

Pain and Fear

Anxiety about discomfort or injury

Trust Issues

Lack of familiarity with caregivers

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Encouraging Participation

Gentle encouragement and patience
Adjust timing and approach for better engagement
Involving family members in discussions
Report and document refusal or pain to supervising nurse

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

During a group restorative exercise session, a resident seems hesitant to participate. What should the nurse’s aide do to encourage their involvement?

A) Insist they participate to prevent falling behind the group.

B) Respectfully encourage and offer to modify the activity to their comfort level.

C) Allow them to observe this time and try again next session.

D) Inform them that participation is part of their care plan and is mandatory.

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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