What is an appropriate task for a UAP in a long-term care facility?

Assisting a resident up in a wheelchair for meals is an appropriate task for a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) in a long-term care facility. UAPs are trained to assist with activities of daily living, which includes helping residents with mobility and positioning. By providing support to the resident during mealtimes, the UAP helps ensure the resident can participate in social interactions and maintain nutritional intake while also promoting their dignity and comfort.

The other tasks involve critical thinking, assessment, and patient education, which typically require the expertise of licensed nursing staff. For example, assessing a client's perianal area requires clinical judgment to identify signs of skin breakdown or infection. Discussing pass requirements involves understanding policies and potential implications for the client’s care, which is generally beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Similarly, explaining care for a colostomy involves detailed patient education and skill that requires nursing knowledge to ensure proper understanding and application of care techniques.