Health-promoting and function-preserving approach

A Rehabilitative Approach

A rehabilitative approach focuses on enabling older people to regain or maintain physical, psychological, and social functions. Aging is not seen only as decline but as a stage of life where participation and autonomy are still possible.

Key Principles

• Individual focus: support based on the person’s own goals.
• Function before illness: prioritizing independence and quality of life.
• Holistic view: considering physical, psychological, and social needs together.
• Autonomy: older people should have influence over their daily lives.

How We Work

• Rehabilitation plans are developed and regularly reviewed.
• Staff are trained to motivate and strengthen participation.
• The environment is adapted to encourage activity.
• Communication with older people and their relatives is clear, responsive, and respectful.

Results

• Increased independence and quality of life.
• Reduced need for unnecessary medical interventions.
• Preserved dignity and self-esteem.

Supporting Without Taking Over

The key is to provide support without taking over. When older people do as much as they can themselves, their functions are preserved rather than weakened.

Everyday Examples

• Walking to the toilet, kitchen, or dining room.
• Support with personal hygiene.
• Preparing clothes so the person can dress independently.
• Reminders about toileting.
• Everyday conversations to maintain language skills.
• Daily oral care.
• Movement training, such as sitting on the edge of the bed.
• Encouraging meaningful and enjoyable activities.

Function-Enhancing Interventions

If a person has temporarily lost function, for example after a stroke or hospital stay, a function-enhancing approach is used to regain abilities. This may include strength, balance, or walking training under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Contracture Prevention

If a joint is not used, it can lose mobility and become stiff (contracture). Regular movement and load-bearing are essential to prevent this.

Examples of Measures

• Lying on the stomach to stretch hip flexors.
• Adjusting assistive devices to maintain mobility.
• Using checklists to ensure exercises are carried out.

The goal is to prevent deterioration and strengthen independence – both physically and mentally.

ADL as a Foundation in Care

Purpose of ADL Assessments

• Person-centred care and support.
• Early detection of functional decline.
• Better planning and follow-up of care.
• Support for relatives.
• Basis for research.

Common ADL Activities

Hygiene, dressing, meals, mobility, toileting routines, and medication management.

In Practice

Rehabilitation may take place at home, in groups, or in special facilities. Assistant nurses may carry out parts of training after instruction or delegation.

Reflection Questions

For Staff

• How do you keep the focus on function-preserving care?
• Do you receive support from rehabilitation staff?
• Are interventions documented and followed up?

For Managers and Licensed Professionals

• How do you promote a culture where function-preserving care is the norm?
• Do staff receive enough support and training?
• Are rehabilitation plans and instructions followed up properly?

For Relatives

• Does your family member have the opportunity to remain active?
• Is recovery supported after illness?
• Is independence in daily life being encouraged?