One of the basic rights of a resident is to be free from restraints. Restraints can never be used as a means of discipline or punishment. Nor can they be used for staff convenience. Physical restraints are anything that restrict movement. This includes positioning a resident so they are unable to get up or stand.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act) is the Federal law that protects a client's privacy about their medical information. This can even include the client's family, if the client wishes. Medical information includes documentation, records, and communications. There are severe penalties for sharing information, even if it is unintentional, such as being overheard in the hospital cafeteria.
Restraints may only be ordered by a physician to keep a resident safe, or to protect the resident from himself or others. They are not meant to be a form of punishment. The resident should be monitored for signs of skin damage, distress, and physical needs, such as food and toileting.
Residents are entitled to control over their personal finances. A CNA cannot be expected to take part in legal proceedings as part of their duties. It is appropriate to direct someone to someone who can organize witnesses.
Personal possessions may be kept and used by residents. Without the resident's knowledge, possessions can be transferred, which can be upsetting and distrusting. Staff are not permitted to throw away residents' things.
Residents have a right to personal privacy. This means they can have private time with visitors, make and receive private phone calls, as well as send or receive mail and emails. Honoring personal privacy is an important part of treating residents with dignity and respect.
Cultural diversity includes diets for religious reasons. There may be foods that are not allowed, strict rules for preparation, or fasting on certain days. Diets may be important in the healing process for these clients. Not getting what they need can feel like a sin or violation of their faith. Health care professionals must make sure their client's dietary needs are met and their religious beliefs are supported.
By giving clients choices throughout the day, you are encouraging them to be independent. They have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, which includes being involved in making decisions about clothing, schedule, and activities.
According to Medicare, residents have the right to make decisions regarding their schedule, including when to eat meals. Remember that for residents, the facility is their home now. They are able to choose their own schedule and activities. The nurse aide should check the diet orders, then bring a snack to the resident.
Residents have the option to reject prescription drugs and medical care. Medication administration is outside the CNAs' scope of practice. Labels for all drugs are required. The medical staff is in charge of figuring out which medications are included in a resident's care plan and whether they are.
Accidental falls and injuries must be reported to the care team and documented. Residents are entitled to be free from cruelty, neglect, and abuse. If abuse is thought to have occurred, the CNA must report it.
The right to conduct something privately is known as physical privacy. This includes private chores like grooming or using the restroom. The nurse's assistant might act as a resident's advocate to help them get the care they need. For instance, the nurse assistant should ask visitors to leave the room if a resident needs to use the bedpan in order for the person to clean up. The nurse's assistant can let the visitors know when they can come back.
Residents are entitled to social interaction with neighbors. Any health-related worries regarding a resident should be reported by CNAs. Any worries a CNA may have concerning a resident's safety should be reported.
One of the resident's rights is being able to keep personal possessions and to make their room comfortable and homelike. They may furnish their room as long as it does not interfere with their safety and health or that of others. The facility must provide reasonable security for the possessions.
Physical privacy is the right to do or say something without having someone witness. Examples are bathing a resident without exposing parts of the body not being washed, and closing the curtains between beds when giving care. Even reading a resident's greeting cards without permission can be considered a violation of their physical privacy.
Threats of self injury must always be reported, and professionals with the necessary training must look into them. The CNA's scope of practice does not include judging the gravity of a resident's comment. Each staff member is responsible for patient safety.
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CNA Care Of Cognitively Impaired Residents #1
