Range of Motion, Contracted Patients, and the Elderly

Yes that is a good practice q 4 hours for Passive ROM, Do you have a physical therapy department in your facility? IF SO, ask a therapist some things you can do to help your residents they might even think of getting an evaluation from PT and might order a hand splint, or "carrots" those are these things you can put in a residents hands that start out like 1inch round and get bigger to keep say a resident with a left sided paralysis, some residents get special boots, merry walkers, etc.. to help in restorative care. Now We just started a restorative care program and I did get some good info from hartman publishing out of new mexico. I teach the nurse aide classes in my facility, I use there materials to teach new nurse aides just like you. But if your not up for getting a book go to your local hospital ask if you can talk to PT and ask if you can watch tell them why must are glad you want to help!!! I think your wonderful and someone must have taught you well that promoting independance and maintaining what mobility they have is KEY KEY KEY!!! Good girl!!

You have good intentions but you should not be performing any procedure without knowing the plan of care for a patient. The knowledge you acquire from outside may not necessarily be applicable to your facility's protocol. Seek guidance from your nurse, educator, or supervisor.

I think your intentions are wonderful. I wonder if you have time to do this? You should, but we are always too short-staffed.