Depression or cognitive impairment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

What to Do When a Resident Refuses Restorative Nursing Care on Your Shift

Restorative nursing care is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and recovery for residents in long-term care facilities. It involves a range of activities designed to help residents regain their strength, mobility, and independence. However, there may be instances where a resident refuses to participate in restorative nursing care, which can be challenging for caregivers. In this article, we will discuss the best course of action to take when a resident refuses restorative nursing care on your shift.

Understanding Restorative Nursing Care

Restorative nursing care is a holistic approach to rehabilitation that focuses on helping residents regain their physical, emotional, and social well-being. It involves a range of activities, including:

Range of motion exercises: Gentle movements to help maintain flexibility and mobility
Transfer training: Teaching residents how to safely transfer from one position to another
Gait training: Helping residents practice walking and balance
Bed mobility: Assisting residents with getting in and out of bed
Personal care: Helping residents with bathing, dressing, and grooming

Why Residents May Refuse Restorative Nursing Care

There are several reasons why a resident may refuse restorative nursing care. Some common reasons include:

Pain or discomfort: Residents may experience pain or discomfort during restorative nursing care activities, which can make them reluctant to participate.
Fear or anxiety: Residents may be afraid of falling or experiencing a setback, which can cause them to refuse restorative nursing care.
Lack of understanding: Residents may not understand the purpose or benefits of restorative nursing care, which can lead to refusal.
Depression or cognitive impairment: Residents with depression or cognitive impairment may be resistant to participating in restorative nursing care.

What to Do When a Resident Refuses Restorative Nursing Care

When a resident refuses restorative nursing care, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some steps you can take:

A. Document restorative nursing care was done for 15 minutes

While it's essential to document the resident's refusal to participate in restorative nursing care, simply documenting that restorative nursing care was done for 15 minutes is not enough. This approach may not accurately reflect the resident's needs or the care provided.

B. Notify the restorative nurse

Notifying the restorative nurse is a good first step, but it's essential to provide more information about the resident's refusal and any concerns you may have. This will help the restorative nurse understand the situation and develop a plan to address the resident's needs.

C. Notify the therapy department

Notifying the therapy department is also a good idea, as they may be able to provide additional support or guidance on how to approach the resident's refusal. However, it's essential to provide more context and information about the resident's needs and concerns.

D. Discharge the resident from restorative nursing care

Discharging the resident from restorative nursing care is not a viable option, as it may not address the underlying issues or concerns that led to the refusal. Instead, it's essential to work with the resident and their care team to develop a plan that meets their needs and promotes their recovery.

Developing a Plan to Address the Resident's Refusal

When a resident refuses restorative nursing care, it's essential to develop a plan that addresses their needs and concerns. Here are some steps you can take:

Assess the resident's needs: Identify the underlying reasons for the resident's refusal and develop a plan to address those needs.
Communicate with the resident: Talk to the resident about their concerns and involve them in the decision-making process.
Involve the care team: Work with the restorative nurse, therapy department, and other members of the care team to develop a plan that meets the resident's needs.
Provide education and support: Educate the resident about the benefits and purpose of restorative nursing care, and provide support and encouragement to help them participate.

Conclusion

When a resident refuses restorative nursing care on your shift, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can develop a plan that addresses the resident's needs and promotes their recovery. Remember to document the resident's refusal, notify the restorative nurse and therapy department, and involve the care team in developing a plan that meets the resident's needs.

Additional Resources

American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Restorative Nursing Care
National Association of Social Workers: Restorative Nursing Care
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Restorative Nursing Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is restorative nursing care? A: Restorative nursing care is a holistic approach to rehabilitation that focuses on helping residents regain their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Q: Why do residents refuse restorative nursing care? A: Residents may refuse restorative nursing care due to pain or discomfort, fear or anxiety, lack of understanding, or depression or cognitive impairment.
Q: What should I do when a resident refuses restorative nursing care? A: Document the resident's refusal, notify the restorative nurse and therapy department, and involve the care team in developing a plan that meets the resident's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Restorative Nursing Care

Restorative nursing care is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and recovery for residents in long-term care facilities. However, there may be instances where a resident refuses to participate in restorative nursing care, which can be challenging for caregivers. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about restorative nursing care and provide guidance on how to approach the situation when a resident refuses.

Q: What is restorative nursing care?

A: Restorative nursing care is a holistic approach to rehabilitation that focuses on helping residents regain their physical, emotional, and social well-being. It involves a range of activities, including range of motion exercises, transfer training, gait training, bed mobility, and personal care.

Q: Why do residents refuse restorative nursing care?

A: Residents may refuse restorative nursing care due to pain or discomfort, fear or anxiety, lack of understanding, or depression or cognitive impairment. It's essential to identify the underlying reasons for the resident's refusal and develop a plan to address those needs.

Q: What should I do when a resident refuses restorative nursing care?

A: When a resident refuses restorative nursing care, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some steps you can take:

Document the resident's refusal: Record the resident's refusal and any concerns or issues that may have led to the refusal.
Notify the restorative nurse and therapy department: Inform the restorative nurse and therapy department about the resident's refusal and any concerns or issues that may have led to the refusal.
Involve the care team: Work with the restorative nurse, therapy department, and other members of the care team to develop a plan that meets the resident's needs.
Provide education and support: Educate the resident about the benefits and purpose of restorative nursing care, and provide support and encouragement to help them participate.

Q: How can I communicate with a resident who refuses restorative nursing care?

A: Communicating with a resident who refuses restorative nursing care requires empathy and understanding. Here are some tips:

Listen actively: Listen carefully to the resident's concerns and issues.
Use clear and simple language: Use clear and simple language to explain the benefits and purpose of restorative nursing care.
Avoid being confrontational: Avoid being confrontational or argumentative, as this can create more resistance.
Involve the resident in the decision-making process: Involve the resident in the decision-making process and encourage them to participate in their care.

Q: What are some common reasons why residents refuse restorative nursing care?

A: Some common reasons why residents refuse restorative nursing care include:

Pain or discomfort: Residents may experience pain or discomfort during restorative nursing care activities, which can make them reluctant to participate.
Fear or anxiety: Residents may be afraid of falling or experiencing a setback, which can cause them to refuse restorative nursing care.
Lack of understanding: Residents may not understand the purpose or benefits of restorative nursing care, which can lead to refusal.
Depression or cognitive impairment: Residents with depression or cognitive impairment may be resistant to participating in restorative nursing care.

Q: How can I address a resident's refusal to participate in restorative nursing care?

A: Addressing a resident's refusal to participate in restorative nursing care requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some steps you can take:

Assess the resident's needs: Identify the underlying reasons for the resident's refusal and develop a plan to address those needs.
Communicate with the resident: Talk to the resident about their concerns and involve them in the decision-making process.
Involve the care team: Work with the restorative nurse, therapy department, and other members of the care team to develop a plan that meets the resident's needs.
Provide education and support: Educate the resident about the benefits and purpose of restorative nursing care, and provide support and encouragement to help them participate.

Q: What are some benefits of restorative nursing care?

A: Restorative nursing care has numerous benefits, including:

Improved mobility: Restorative nursing care can help residents regain their mobility and independence.
Reduced pain and discomfort: Restorative nursing care can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with immobility.
Improved cognitive function: Restorative nursing care can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Enhanced quality of life: Restorative nursing care can help enhance the resident's quality of life and promote their overall well-being.

Conclusion

Restorative nursing care is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and recovery for residents in long-term care facilities. However, there may be instances where a resident refuses to participate in restorative nursing care, which can be challenging for caregivers. By understanding the reasons for the resident's refusal and developing a plan to address those needs, caregivers can help residents participate in restorative nursing care and promote their overall well-being.

Additional Resources

American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Restorative Nursing Care
National Association of Social Workers: Restorative Nursing Care
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Restorative Nursing Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is restorative nursing care? A: Restorative nursing care is a holistic approach to rehabilitation that focuses on helping residents regain their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Q: Why do residents refuse restorative nursing care? A: Residents may refuse restorative nursing care due to pain or discomfort, fear or anxiety, lack of understanding, or depression or cognitive impairment.
Q: What should I do when a resident refuses restorative nursing care? A: Document the resident's refusal, notify the restorative nurse and therapy department, and involve the care team in developing a plan that meets the resident's needs.