Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

Which type of care is emphasized in the rehabilitation program of nursing homes?

1. long-term custodial care

2. returning individuals to their highest level of independence

3. supervised medication management

4. spiritual support and counseling

The correct answer is: returning individuals to their highest level of independence

The emphasis on returning individuals to their highest level of independence is a cornerstone of rehabilitation programs in nursing homes. Rehabilitation care focuses on helping residents regain their physical, cognitive, and emotional skills that may have been diminished due to illness, injury, or age-related decline. This approach uses various therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to facilitate recovery and improve the quality of life for residents. The goal of rehabilitation is to empower individuals so that they can perform daily activities as autonomously as possible. This may include regaining mobility, learning adaptive techniques for tasks, or enhancing communication abilities. By prioritizing independence, rehabilitation programs not only work towards physical restoration but also significantly boost the residents’ confidence and overall well-being. In contrast, long-term custodial care primarily focuses on meeting the daily living needs of residents without a specific emphasis on rehabilitation or returning them to a level of independence. Supervised medication management is essential for safe and effective medication use, but it does not directly address the therapeutic goals associated with rehabilitation. Spiritual support and counseling play an important role in the holistic approach to care, promoting mental and emotional well-being, yet they do not align directly with the physical recovery aspect that rehabilitation emphasizes.