Top Tips To Look After Bedridden Elders

Most of us do not realize how difficult it is to look after bedridden elders; they could be bedridden due to surgery, paralysis, some serious heart or lung condition or other conditions. Following a few top tips would help care for bedridden elders.   

A few top tips that would help care for bedridden elders: 

The caregiver needs to first draw up a daily schedule of what needs to be done with time for bath, food, watching TV or listening to music; a chart of medicines is equally important, with all this providing a sense of purpose to the elder. Also make sure to involve yourself emotionally with the elder.

Caring for an elder 24/7 can be challenging and difficult; if you can afford it, arrange for professional help by a nurse or helper for a few hours so that you could work, socialize or have some time for yourself. You would be more cheerful and the elder would also be positively affected by it.

It is very important to prevent bedsores in bedridden elders; ensure you move them gently and regularly. Bedsores occur with a break of skin either over a wound or a bony area most commonly in pressure areas like the back, buttocks and elbows. Keep the elder’s skin dry after a bath by applying talcum powder or moisturizer. If an area of the skin is pink, do not rub it and seek prompt medical attention.  

Ensure that the bedridden elder brushes one’s teeth at least twice a day; shampoo the elder’s head at least 2 times a week, giving a bath every other day with sponge baths given in-between. If the person uses a bedpan, ensure you clean the genitals and anus after each use.

Make sure you change the sheets including the pillow covers regularly; they could be dirty with food particles, hair and skin flakes as the elder spends most of the time in bed. Also ensure the mattress and blanket are dusted and aired periodically.

Customize a bedridden elder’s diet and avoid too much spicy or fatty food; provide small amounts of food at frequent intervals as elders in bed have a poor appetite due to inactivity. Your doctor would be the best to advice you on protein supplements or health drinks for additional calories and vitamins.

Make sure the bedridden elder’s room has good natural light and is well ventilated; it would be best to place the room away from the window to avoid chills at night. Ensure the room has an attached bathroom that accommodates a bedpan and a stool to be used for bathing.

Remember that a positive attitude and high morale encourages bedridden elders get on their feet soon; ensure the nails and hair are trimmed regularly, males shave every alternate days and women wax their arms and legs to look presentable.

Bedridden elders can regain the use of their muscles with regular physiotherapist’s assistance; make sure you understand and follow their instructions for exercises and maneuvers.

Lastly if the elder is fed through a tube or has a urinary catheter, ask the doctor when they have to be replaced; ensure you get a trained nurse to deflate and put new tubes and urinary catheter as their prolonged use could lead to infections.