When taking care of a bedridden patient, it’s important to pay attention to their emotional and physical and well-being. Knowing what to expect in the period your loved one is bedridden will help you avoid exposing them to health problems associated with being confined in bed.
Bedsores are always a risk when one is bedridden
Bedsores are wounds on the skin and that result from lying in one position for an extended period of time. The prolonged sitting or lying position puts pressure on the body causing the skin to break apart. Bedsores are extremely uncomfortable and painful especially if they become infected. To prevent bedsores, reposition the patient after every few hours. If the patient can move, encourage them to change positions as well. If even after your efforts bed sores develop, treating them involves reducing pressure on the affected skin, controlling pain, caring for the wounds, preventing infection and maintaining good nutrition. Bedsores are grouped in four stages depending on the severity of the symptoms. While Stage I or II sores may heal quickly when well cared for, Stage III and IV sores are harder to treat. The best thing is to hire a professional caregiver who can dedicate their time to the necessary care the sores need to heal.
Changing a loved one’s clothing when they have limited mobility brings it’s own set of challenges. Traditional clothing can be difficult; the small holes for the head, neck, arms and legs can be hard to maneuver through. Purchasing adaptive clothing can help. This type of clothing can offer non-restrictive closures, as well as adaptations to mitigate the need for fine manual dexterity. They might feature magnets or Velcro instead of buttons and zippers, and they may open in the back to facilitate getting dressed.
The bed should be as comfortable as possible
Imagine spending your entire days and nights in bed…It’s frustrating, Right?
The only way to make your loved endure and hold on is to make the bed as comfortable as possible. For reasons of health, hygiene and comfort, change the bed lines regularly. Find out from the patient if the beddings are soft enough and also if they keep them warm enough. Also, if possible, replace a regular with an adjustable bed so that it’s easier to position them for ultimate comfort. If the patient has back problems, you can adjust the head or foot of the bed to relieve pressure on the vertebrae.
Taking care of their hygiene
Because your loved one may not have the ability to take care of the usual daily hygiene practices, you need to facilitate the process. For cases that aren’t too severe, the patient just needs a little assistance to practice the hygiene routine. In severe cases, however, you may need to bathe the patient, change their clothes, brush their hair, trim their nails, etc. Do it with love and pay attention to the patients arising needs.
Emotional needs shouldn’t be left out
Being confined in bed cuts one from their daily routine and may breed feelings of worthlessness leading to a downward spiral of depression. Keeping the patient engaged will help improve both their physical and mental health. Be on the lookout for Signs such as mood changes, fatigue and withdrawing from family and friends. If you don’t have the time to keep your bedridden loved one occupied, hire a caregiver who can give the patient companionship and engage them in playing games, reading books or just telling stories.
Taking care of a bedridden loved one is both physically and emotionally demanding. The demands may particularly prove impossible when you have a daily job. Even if you have the time, certain skills are needed for comprehensive care. Don’t shy off from seeking home care in Winnipeg services. We are here to lift the burden off your shoulders and help restore your loved one’s health right from the comfort of your own home.
