This document discusses promoting independence for residents in long-term care facilities. It identifies physical and psychosocial losses of independence that residents face, such as loss of health, mobility, family, and property. When entering a facility, residents lose choices around living space, food, activities, and contact with outside family and friends. To promote independence, staff should consider how residents cope with losses and encourage positive coping. They should also provide choices around daily activities, care, and social interaction to empower residents and maintain their independence.

1. Promoting the Resident’s
Independence
NATCEP Day Six

2. Objectives
• Identify losses, both physical and
psychosocial, that may decrease independence
• Identify some of the aspects of independent
living a person may lose when they reside in an
LTCF
• Identify positive techniques a STNA can use to
promote the resident’s independence
• Name or list types of choices available to the
resident to gain the highest level of
independence

3. Losses the Decrease the Resident’s
Independence
• Physical
– Loss of physical health
– Reduced mobility
– Sensory limitations
– Activities of daily living

4. Losses the Decrease the Resident’s
Independence
• Psychosocial
– Previous lifestyle
– Family members
– Loved ones
– Personal property

5. Independence Living:
Losses when Entering the LTCF
• Space
– Choice of living alone
– Choice of roommate
– Choice of location of room
• Choices
– Foods
– Transportation
– Eating
– Wake/Sleep Time

6. Independence Living:
Losses when Entering the LTCF
• Contact with family and friends outside
• Pets

7. How do we promote independence?
• Consider this question for insight
– How does the resident cope with losses?
• Encourage positive coping mechanisms to adjust to the new
environment
– Encourage involvement in activities
– Interaction with other residents
• Identify resident strengths – encourage resident to use
these to help adjust
• Encourage independence with Activities of Daily Living
(ADLs)
• Provide encouragement and assistance with group activities

8. How do we promote independence?
• Give them CHOICES
• Consider when, where, what, which for
possible choices you can provide related to
– Eating
– Clothing
– Activities
– Sleeping
– Daily care
– Who (who they visit, eat with, etc)