When providing restorative care, what should the nursing assistant primarily focus on?

In restorative care, the primary focus should be on the resident's abilities. This approach emphasizes promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for residents, particularly those recovering from illness or injury. By concentrating on what residents can do, nursing assistants can encourage participation in activities that strengthen their skills and confidence, leading to improved outcomes.

Focusing on the resident's abilities allows the nursing assistant to tailor care plans and interventions that support the individual's strengths, helping them regain lost skills or adapt to limitations in a positive manner. Such a focus fosters a motivating environment where residents feel empowered rather than defined by their disabilities.

Considering the other options, the resident's preferences are important in providing person-centered care, but they do not directly encapsulate the essence of restorative care, which is about enhancing abilities. The resident's disability, while a factor to consider, should not be the primary focus as it can lead to a deficit mindset. The past medical history is relevant for understanding the context of care but is not the main objective of restorative strategies that aim to build upon current abilities rather than dwelling on past challenges.