Unfortunately seniors may have periods of time when they become bedridden. It may be a temporary situation or they may be bedridden indefinitely. In either case when a senior is bedridden, they will need constant care to ensure they remain safe, comfortable and happy.
Reasons For Becoming Bedridden
People may become bedridden due to illnesses or injuries that have rendered them immobile.
Illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and osteoporosis can make it impossible for seniors to move around safely. So, they need to be confined to their bed or have very little mobility.
Injuries such as hip fracture, paralysis due to stroke, and spinal cord injuries may cause immobility as well.
People may also have severe sicknesses that rob them of their energy or cause them to become dizzy, and so they become temporarily bedridden.
Bedridden Seniors Are At Risk of Developing Additional Health Issues
A bedridden patient becomes vulnerable to various health complications like painful bed sores, circulation, and respiratory problems, depression, and contractures due to lack of activity for long periods.
Being bedridden leads to many complications such as loss of muscle strength, and endurance, osteoporosis, and the degeneration of joints.
Bedridden Seniors Need Consistent Help
Assistance will be needed for many reasons, including the basic needs such as eating, personal hygiene, mental health, physical health.
It is very important that caregivers provide help on a consistent and reliable basis.
Meals must be prepared and brought to the patient’s bed, their medications must be managed and patients must be bathed regularly.
Bedsores Must Be Avoided and Managed
Caregivers must be diligent in helping to prevent the formation of bedsores.
Since bedsores form easily on the body’s pressure points, such as the spine, buttocks, hips, and elbows, it’s important for caregivers to frequently change the senior’s position in bed.
Caregivers must also take the time to look for the early signs of the development of a bedsore so they can catch it and deal with it in its early stages.
Patients Should Be Moved At Least Every Two Hours
Changing a patient’s position in bed every 2 hours helps keep blood flowing and helps the skin stay healthy and prevents bedsores.
Caregivers should assist their bedridden senior in stretching and moving their joints to help promote healthy circulation, healthy joint muscle movement.
Hygiene and Bed Maintenance
Caregivers must routinely bathe their bedridden patient, assist them with dental hygiene and changing into fresh, clean clothing as well.
Baths also improve circulation, which is a vital component of preventing bedsores.
In addition, brushing their hair, shaving them, and clipping their fingernails and toenails are important aspects of hygiene to remember.
Paying attention to bedridden seniors’ hygiene and appearance helps improve their morale because they typically feel better when they look better and feel well-kept.
Maintaining the bed is another critical part of care for bedridden seniors. Bed linen should be changed regularly to prevent germs and whenever linens become soiled.
Home caregivers should ensure that the mattress is firm and protected with a waterproof cover, and they may turn the mattress over on a regular basis to prevent premature wear on one side.
Keeping Them Physically Comfortable Is Essential
When seniors are confined to their beds, it is important to ensure that they are comfortable, as much as possible.
Caregivers must ensure that their patients’ backs and joints are not under any strain while laying in bed.
Their arms and legs must be comfortably positioned in the bed as well.
Several pillows should be available to support their head, neck, and back and, if necessary, a brace is installed at their feet so they don’t slide down the bed.
When changing positions, the caregiver must carefully guide their movements to comfortably resituate them.
Caregivers Can Help Prevent Depression in Bedridden Seniors
Depression and anxiety often accompany lack of mobility.
The fact that they have to depend on others for basic self-care and hygiene embarrasses them and causes depression, especially if each movement in bed or a simple change of position requires someone’s help.
Bedridden elderly can also become depressed because they feel like they are a burden, or because they have lost their autonomy, or because their social interactions are limited. It’s important to address emotional and mental health needs and to help them know they are still a part of their communities.
Mealtimes can be a nice social time and can help seniors stay engaged.
Caregivers should also keep bedridden seniors occupied with conversation, reading materials, television, radio, card games, puzzles, and visitors.
If you have a senior loved one who is bedridden and you need assistance providing them with proper at-home care, an in-home caregiver can help.
Concierge Care refers compassionate and reliable caregivers in the Tampa Bay area who can help care for your bedridden loved one.
To schedule a free in-home care consultation with Concierge Care, you may call (813) 345-4747.
To learn more about senior home care, visit:
In-Home Senior Care in Tampa – Concierge Care
