As a CNA in a retirement home, you’re not just a nurse’s assistant—but you’re the name, face, and often a lifeline for your residents. Without you, your senior’s quality of life would not be as fulfilling as it is—and without you, the retirement home wouldn’t be a success. Below are a handful of reasons why retirement homes can’t do without their CNAs.
 
Because There Is, at Most, One Nurse Per Floor
 
The average retirement home typically has only one nurse per floor, and less for smaller retirement communities. Just like nurses are the lifeline patients turn to in hospitals, CNAs are the lifeline seniors turn to in a retirement community. You’re the one who comes when the call button is pushed. You’re the one who meets friends and family when they visit. And you’re the one who takes time to learn about each senior on a personal level. CNAs are also most likely to notice a change in senior’s diet, health, and spirits.
 
Without You, ADLs Would Fall by the Wayside
 
Even the most active and independent seniors in your retirement home require at least a bit of help with their activities of daily living. Whether this is as simple as helping with a daily shower, or as frequent as feeding their daily meals, without you, your senior’s basic needs would not be met. You’re also likely one of the few people your residents trust with their daily needs.
 
You Encourage Balance
 
While most of your day is spent assisting with ADLs, there are many ways in which ADLs can be a fun, engaging, and meaningful experience for your seniors. Above and beyond ADLs, CNAs play a vital role in encouraging socialization and participation in daily activities. Even if the activity is being led by someone else in the retirement community, you’re the one who motivates, reminds, and even takes your seniors to the activities that are essential for living a well-balanced and fulfilling life in retirement.
 
There will certainly be days that are more difficult than others, and residents who are more challenging than others—but without the patience, care, and compassion of CNAs, retirement homes would not be the same.