For some types of diseases, a patient is required to be on absolute bed rest for fast and complete recovery. In other cases such as degenerative diseases, a person gradually loses the capability to move around and is restricted from being on the bed. Care of bedridden patients is not as easy as it often seems, and requires a high level of empathy, knowledge, and understanding for optimal outcomes.

As a caregiver, it can be quite difficult to manage all the caring aspects of someone who is on the bed and is dependent on you for all the help. However, do remember that the patient is also in a lot of distress and hence may sometimes be angry, upset or go through mood swings. A caregiver understands this and gives proper home care for bedridden patients.

Some Important Factors to consider for caring for bedridden elderly at home

Prevent Bed Sores

Bedsores often happen when a person is on the bed for a long time and is not able to move, even side to side to change position. In such a case, bedsores can be pretty common and cause various health risks, as they lead to infection. In serious cases, they could lead to complicated health issues. Bedsores are also known as pressure sores and mainly appear around the lower back, the back of the head and the hips, as these areas get the maximum amount of pressure from the patient’s body. However, keep checking all other areas regularly in case any sores appear there. In case the patient is able to move even a little bit, encourage them to do so as often as they can, even if a little. In case there are any types of complications, you can ask the doctor or the professional caregiver to show you how you can help the patient move in the bed.

Keep Linen Clean And Fresh

It is very important to keep changing the linen regularly and in fact, it is always better to do it every day. Using fresh linen will help the patient feel comfortable and clean, and will also prevent any risk of infection. In many instances, when a patient is constantly on the bed and does most things on the bed, such as eating and passing urine, there are chances of spills. Not changing the linen regularly can keep the place dirty and invite germs and infections.

Look After Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene often takes the maximum hit when a patient becomes bedridden. Because the patient is not able to take care of daily hygiene practices in a regular way, it is solely the responsibility of the caregiver to make sure that the patient is clean and follows daily hygiene practices. In some cases, a patient may need a little assistance to follow hygiene routine, while in severe cases a patient may be entirely dependent on the carer for even the simplest of hygiene based tasks. Some things you need to take care of are to give a bath or sponge daily, change clothes and underwear, help brush and comb. You may also have to look after hair and nail trimming. If the patient is able to do these things with some assistance, encourage it and help with assisting tools.

Pay Attention To The Back

Because a bedridden patient is mostly lying on the back, it is important to pay extra attention to that area. Try to change the patient’s position from left to right and right to left every alternate hour, or at a gap of 2 hours. Make sure you take the doctor’s permission to do so. You can lightly tap the patient’s back to ease out any fluid build-up and to give a light soothing massage to prevent or ease any aching muscles. If possible, help the patient sit up for some time every few hours, once the doctor gives the go-ahead.

Feed The Right Way

At mealtimes, make sure to prop up the patient’s head and give very small bites or sips. If the patient can sit up for some time, provide assistance at the back by placing a few pillows and make sure there is a rail at the sides of the bed or something that will prevent the patient from falling over. Often, when a patient gets up after lying down for hours, it could result in dizziness and fall.

At Care24 our professional caregivers are well trained in nursing care for bedridden patients. They take complete care, maintain hygiene, and also guide in some daily exercises for bedridden patients. You can book an appointment to know more.