An Important Role of a CNA: Preserving Dignity in Nursing Home Patients

There is one point that is true for all elderly persons: for their later years to be as happy, healthy, and fulfilling as possible, they need a consistent sense of dignity in their everyday lives. There are a number of ways in which a CNA can help with this all-important factor.

Elderly Persons Need to Feel Self-Sufficient
Many elderly men and women have difficulty asking for, and even accepting, help from other people. The more independent and self-sufficient a patient was in his adult life, the more difficult it can be for him. When he needs help with daily grooming and other essential tasks, he may feel bad about himself and resent the person who is helping him. While the CNA is trained to do all of these tasks, the more you allow your patient to do for himself the better it will be for him. It will increase his self-esteem, and promote a better relationship between him and you.

Elderly Persons Need Physical Dignity
Even if your patient is very old, frail, and in poor health, it is important to keep in mind he still needs a sense of physical dignity. He or she may be very uncomfortable dressing, being bathed, or using a toilet or bedpan when there are other patients or staff members present. Your patient will feel a necessary sense of dignity if you help him to have privacy during these activities.

Elderly Persons Need Personal Dignity
Regardless of how an elderly man or woman adjusts to the structure and supervision of a nursing home setting, a patient is not a child. When you communicate with your patient, be sure that your vocabulary and demeanor respects the person as an adult. Never be condescending, and refrain from using childlike language. In addition, present your patient with choices and options in his everyday life.

Elderly Persons Need to be Respected as Individuals
When a CNA is thinking about the contributions he or she can make to the lives of nursing home patients, one essential element is listening. If you begin by looking at each patient as an individual, you will notice that each has had many decades of living experiences. Most patients will be delighted to have the chance to talk about themselves, their lives, and their families, when their CNA is receptive to their stories.

Each Elderly Person Has His Own Personality
The larger the nursing home, the more difficult it can be for physicians and nurses to notice each person's individual traits. Some patients thrive in a nursing home setting, while others feel abandoned by their families. Some patients love activities and socializing with others in their age group, while others prefer to watch television or read. As a CNA, you can assess a patient's personality and preferences, and help him to achieve the everyday lifestyle that is most comfortable and fulfilling to him.

Think About Your Own Role
While part of a CNA's role is to keep patients healthy and safe, this wonderful job also gives you the chance to make older people's later years rewarding and enjoyable. When you start with these tips, you can make a positive difference in their lives, as well as gain a sense of personal satisfaction.