Elderly immobility can make caring for your loved ones a difficult challenge. When your loved one becomes bedridden, it can be a challenge to maintain their needs. Bedridden family members require a lot of time and care. Proper hygiene and nutrition are key to maintaining your loved one’s health and wellness.
Hygiene For Bedridden Care
When bedridden, it can be difficult to maintain proper hygiene. Caretakers will need to assist with dental hygiene and bathing. Good hygiene care is vital to keeping your loved one comfortable. Grooming hair, brushing teeth, and trimming nails are seemingly everyday tasks can become virtually impossible once you are bedridden. Hygiene care may not be glamorous, but it can reduce additional complications or issues regarding your loved one’s health. Groomed hair can help prevent lice infestations. Good nail care can reduce the risk of ingrown nails; and can reduce the risk of your loved one scratching themselves to the point of injury. Additionally, improved hygiene can benefit your loved one’s self esteem.
Nutrition for the Bedridden
Nutrition is important regardless of your health status. But for the bedridden, proper nutrition can make a huge difference in overall quality of life. Before altering your loved one’s diet, speak with their physician or dietician. Many prescriptions may have adverse effects when combined with certain foods. It is important to work with them to create a diet plan that works best for your loved one’s needs. Access to water should be close at hand. Hydration is vital to elderly health. As you age, your body’s indicators for thirst dull, and you can become dehydrated much more easily.
Preventing Bedsores
Bedridden patients are prone to injuries to skin and underlying tissues from sitting or laying down for long periods of time. Prevention of bedsores starts with making sure that your loved one changes positions every few hours. These sores, if left untreated, can result in infections that can cause complications with quality of life. Ultimately, bedsores can result in shortened life, too. Ask their medical professional for the best practices of moving them without causing harm. Keep their skin clean and dry. Place pillows between areas of the body that may press against each other, such as the ankles or knees.
Finding Assistance
Caring for one who is bedridden can be a full time job. It can be difficult for you to take care of your needs, the needs of your bedridden family member, and still do everything else you need to do each day. Hiring a home healthcare professional can be the answer you need. A home health aide can provide your loved one with the care that they need, while giving you peace of mind that they will be well taken care of.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.
