When using assistive equipment, what is the primary concern for the nursing assistant?

The primary concern when using assistive equipment is to ensure the safety and comfort of the resident. Supporting the resident from the side provides stability and balance, which is essential during transfers or when they are moving from one place to another. This positioning allows the nursing assistant to closely monitor the resident’s movements and provide immediate assistance if needed, thereby minimizing the risk of falls or accidents. It also helps in reassuring the resident, making them feel secure during the use of assistive devices.

While monitoring the resident's surroundings and staying quiet are important considerations, they are secondary to the physical support that ensures the resident’s safety. Being too far behind could distance the assistant from being able to react effectively in case of an emergency. Therefore, the act of providing side support is fundamental to facilitating safe mobility for the resident.