What is the role of a UAP when assisting with residents who have complex needs?

The role of a Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) primarily focuses on supporting residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) alongside monitoring their condition and effectively communicating any changes to licensed staff members, such as nurses. This includes tasks like bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility.

In the context of residents with complex needs, it's critical that UAPs observe any variations in the residents' conditions—such as changes in behavior, physical status, or emotional well-being—and report these observations to the nursing staff. This reporting is essential as it ensures that the residents receive the appropriate level of care and intervention when necessary.

While the other roles suggested in the choices are important aspects of care, they fall outside the scope of practice for UAPs. For instance, performing assessments and making independent care decisions typically require a licensed professional's expertise; administering medications is a task that must also be carried out by licensed nurses; providing emotional support and counseling often necessitates specialized training and is more appropriately handled by certified mental health professionals or nurses. Thus, assisting with ADLs while closely monitoring and reporting resident status is rightly aligned with the UAP's designated responsibilities.