Chapter 8 discussed how nursing assistants help clients with mobility with actions ranging from repositioning them in bed, transferring them out of bed to a chair, or ambulating them in the hallway. This chapter will focus on how the nursing assistant promotes client functioning and independence through rehabilitation and restorative care.

Acute health events and chronic illnesses can reduce a client’s level of functioning and independence. For example, clients who experience a stroke or hip fracture or live with chronic disease like heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) often require assistance in completing their activities of daily living (ADLs). Any condition that requires bed rest can cause muscle atrophy, decreased lung function, and other complications. Clients recovering from illnesses or injury may require therapy performed by the licensed therapy team to return lost levels of function. As their functioning is restored, the nursing assistant can help clients retain the highest possible level of functioning and independence and promote their physical and mental well-being.