Tips on Caring for a Bed Bound Adult
When you are caring for someone who is bedridden due to their condition, illness, or age, it is very important to ensure their hygiene is well maintained. Good hygiene not only helps with their physical wellbeing, but it will also improve their mental state and self-esteem.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Bed sores are highly common for people who become bed bound. It is incredibly important that the bed has soft and supporting bedding with a good supporting mattress that could be a pressure-relieving or even an adjustable one that allows the person to sit up and lay down when they need to. Ensure the room is a calm, clean, and well-lit to create a nice atmosphere for them as this helps will help improve mental health. The room temperature should also be at a comfortable temperature for the individual so they don’t get too hot or too cold in their bed.
Maintain Hygiene
The risk of skin infections and other hygiene-related issues are much higher for bed bound adults because they can often be left in the same position for long periods of times and need their bedding changed regularly.
Regular bathing is crucial to make sure the individual is kept clean to prevent sores and infections. If the adult can’t make it to a bath or shower room, you can do a sponge bath that pays attention to areas prone to skin breakdowns such as back, elbows, and heels. Use a skin moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated after washing. Bed linen should be removed and washed frequently to kill and germs or bacteria and prevent further infections.
Prevent Pressure Sore
Pressure sores, or bedsores, can quickly develop is lying in one position for too long. They should be repositioned at least every two hours to relieve the pressure to help prevent this. Pillows or specialised cushions can be used to help elevate or protect certain areas of the body.
Encourage Movement and Exercise
Even the most simple exercises and movement can help to improve circulation and prevent muscle stiffness for someone who is bed bound. If they cannot move on their own fully, you can help to assist them gently stretching and moving their limbs. Please make sure to consult with a physiotherapist if you have any concerns or questions about any exercises as you don’t want to cause any more issues.
Nutrition and Hydration
It is very important that a bed bound adult is able to have access to water at all times to make sure they stay hydrated. If they cannot lift a cup themselves, make sure to add this to the carers routine of offering them a drink at every given opportunity. Good nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery and overall maintenance of someone’s health. Make sure to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to see what foods could help your loved one whilst bed bound to provide them with the necessary vitamins, proteins and calories.
Offer Emotional Support
As well as offering physical support, it is also important to make sure any bed bound adult’s mental health is supported in anyway necessary. Being bed bound can be very isolating so to make sure anyone who is caring for a bed bound loved one engages in plenty of conversations, provide them with entertainment like a book, play some music they like, or a movie. Make sure to maintain a positive and empathetic attitude as this can help boost the individual’s mindset on their situation.
Medical Care and Monitoring
Be sure to keep an eye on any changes in a bed bound adults condition and be vigilant for signs of infections or discomfort, and if you notice any changes, contact a doctor straight away to be checked over. Keep up to date with any important medical appointments and work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure their care plan is up to date and they have the full support.
Caring for a bed bound adult requires patience, compassion and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can help to ensure the person remains as comfortable and healthy as possible during their recovery or extended care period.
For more information or for extra support, please get in touch with us on 0333 3448 677.
