What is a strategy CNAs can use to promote resident independence in daily activities?

• A. Encourage participation, provide choices, set up environment to support independence, offer assistance as needed
• B. Do everything for them
• C. Limit choices
• D. Standby only

Answer: (A)

Promoting independence means helping residents do as much as they can on their own while staying safe. The best approach is to invite participation, offer choices, set up the environment to support self-care, and provide help only when it’s needed or requested. When residents are asked what they’d like to wear, which task they want to tackle, or how they’d like to perform a activity, they retain control and build confidence. Making everyday surroundings accessible—within safety limits, like reachable items and assistive devices—further supports independent performance. In contrast, doing everything for them, limiting choices, or standing by without offering appropriate assistance undermines autonomy and slows progress toward independence.