A 6-month clinical trial was conducted to evaluate two models of restorative nursing care designed to improve mobility in nursing home residents. The models were compared on number of residents enrolled, documentation of nursing assistant (NA) compliance, and nursing staff satisfaction. The designated model, which relied on one specially trained NA to perform restorative activities on the unit, resulted in higher rates of enrollment, compliance, and staff satisfaction compared with the integrated model, which relied on regular staff NAs who were trained to incorporate restorative activities into their daily routines.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Creating a career ladder for nursing assistants in long-term care.

This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a career ladder for certified nursing assistants in long-term care. A career ladder is an effective way to maximize the use of unlicensed workers without changing the skill mix (eg, no loss of licensed nursing positions) and allow the licensed nurse more time to perform higher-level clinical tasks, such as assessments, patient education, and documentation. Implementation of an unlicensed worker career ladder also can improve nursing assistant retention.

Career Mobility↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Does a liquid supplement improve energy and protein consumption in nursing home residents?

One popular strategy to improve the acceptance and efficacy of oral liquid supplements in long-term care is dispensing them during the medication pass, although few studies support its effectiveness. This study evaluated the impact of a supplement medication pass program on energy and nutrient consumption and weight in nursing home residents. Findings indicate that residents maintained their prestudy weight and had a 29% decrease in supplement energy intake, a 19% increase in food energy intake, and a 17% decrease in net energy intake (supplement plus food). Supplement and food protein intake remained stable. Over longer periods, this reduced energy consumption could lead to weight loss, so routine monitoring and periodic evaluations of resident intake (both food and supplement) are recommended to ensure residents are receiving and consuming adequate amounts of daily energy and nutrients.

Aged↗