Caring for a bedridden patient is a big responsibility, and it can become both emotionally and physically overwhelming for the individuals providing the care. A cancer diagnosis or any other terminal illness is devasting and can leave an individual bedridden for the little time they have left to live.
Not to mention the devasting effect it can have on the bedridden individual’s family, friends, or loved ones. It is a life-changing situation and changes everything in a person’s life. That said, the caregiver needs to provide the best possible care to the bedridden patient, allowing them to stay as comfortable as possible.
Also, it would be best if said caregivers stayed patient. The bedridden individual needs your help just like you did when you were a child. Talk to them, spend time with them, and show them they matter the most.
Listed below are the best daily routines for bedridden patients that will make their lives more comfortable and a whole easier;
Promote good hygiene and grooming
One of the best things a person can do for a bedridden patient is ensuring they address their essential grooming and hygiene needs. You would want to attend to groom and bathe them, attend to their dental care needs, and dress them in fresh, clean clothing every day. Moreover, long nails can quickly get infected or break, which is painful, keeping them trimmed and neat.
Also, give their hair a nice trim, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional barber. Feeling clean and fresh every day will help them stay healthy and do wonders for their self-esteem and confidence.
Go for a physiotherapy routine.
A big issue for bedridden individuals is the loss of muscle mass and strength while being bedridden. Try to incorporate a routine that includes simple exercises and stretching to retain muscle mass and strength. Invest in a wheelchair or walker to move the bedridden patient around. Light exercise is also vital if the patient suffers from a condition such as diabetes mellitus or has nerve/limb damage.
If you cannot handle the situation independently, go for a professionally assisted physiotherapy session for your bedridden patient. Doing so will allow them to stay mobile and retain their strength even when they are stuck on a bed till they recover.
In the end, it is more than just about their body. Light exercise and stretching every day also boost a person’s mood, more so for someone bedridden.
Try to check and prevent bedsores.
A pressure sore, commonly known as bedsore, is a skin and underlying tissue injury resulting from lying or sitting in a single position for a long time. Doing so puts unnecessary pressure on body parts such as the leg, thigh, and buttocks and can cause the skin in such areas to break apart. The spots become red, extreme pain sets in, and worst-case scenario, bedsores can become infected and lead to life-shortening complications.
However, there is some good news. Bedsores are preventable, considering you follow a few tips. If your bedridden patient stays in one position for a long time, take some time and reposition them after every hour or two. If they can move on their own, encourage them to do so.
Ask a nurse or a doctor for advice on moving the bedridden patient without causing unnecessary damage. Moreover, ensure that you frequently check body parts for any signs of bedsores. Such as the hips, ankles, tailbone, and heels.
Provide good nutrition
Everyone knows about the countless benefits of eating a healthy well-balanced diet And the benefits are far more apparent for individuals in critical conditions or recovering from a treatment like surgery. Speak with your dietician, doctor, or nurse to determine the type of food they recommend for the bedridden patient (alongside the supplements they might already be consuming, of course).
Try to keep track of their caloric intake and the type of nutrients they should consume. Sometimes a patient might be better off eating a smaller meal or a small snack instead of having a large meal. Also, keep non-sugary, nutritional drinks or just plain old water at arm’s reach to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the entire day.
Monitor their eating habits and keep a food journal for reference. In the end, remember that particular foods might interact poorly with the bedridden patient’s prescription medicine. For instance, vitamin K-rich vegetables like broccoli and spinach can counteract the effects of a blood thinner such as warfarin. Hence, it is vital to understand the type of foods to avoid feeding the patient.
Promote a comfortable environment
The patient’s immediate surroundings tend to have a significant effect on their mental well-being. So, it would be best to take out a few minutes to ensure that their environment is as comfortable as it can be. Ensure that their room contains tons of sunlight as it is a natural disinfectant. Keep the passage to their room as clutter-free and easy to navigate as possible.
The patient’s bed should also be as close to the nightstand to have easy access to their phone, book, water, food, and alarm. In addition to these, don’t forget to sit down and chat with the bedridden patient. Emotional and mental health has the same importance as physical health.
Conclusion
Helping out a bedridden individual, be it a close friend, family member, or someone you have known for a long time is emotionally and physically grueling. However, it will allow you to create or strengthen bonds.
It is an opportunity for you to do the single thing that a bedridden patient craves and appreciates-always being there for them no matter what happens!
