Bedridden Patient Care

Definition
Bedridden is a state of functional limitation secondary to illness, injury or infirmity.

Cause
Unable to ambulate independently, open wounds, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, and maximum assistance required to transfer.

Caregiver Hot Tips

1. Skin care is very important when caring for bed bound individuals. When bathing be sure all areas are dried thoroughly as moisture can lead to breakdown of skin.



2. It is at this time that you can massage, with lotion, boney areas such as shoulders, elbows, hips, back, knees, and ankles.



3. Keeping the heels off the bed on a pillow should also be done as rubbing the heels on the sheet can cause breakdown.



4. Using over the counter skin barriers such as Balmex, Diaperine or any cream with Zinc because it protects the skin when changing the individual after each incontinent episode. The cream helps prevent the urine or fecal material to come into direct contact with the skin as it will become reddened and possibly breakdown.



5. If any reddened or open area is found the doctor should be called for treatment.



6. If the individual has a urinary catheter it is important that it is kept clean. Wash with soap and water around the opening and pat dry.



7. Make sure that the drainage bag is lower than the mattress.



8. The bag should be emptied daily or as needed. If you find that the amount of drainage is getting less and or is dark or red in color the doctor must be called.



9. Bedridden individuals should be repositioned frequently to help prevent skin breakdown. Repositioning should be side to side and on the back. When on the side roll a pillow or a blanket and place it against the back to keep from rolling on the back.
   
   
10. Position a pillow between their legs and under their feet. The legs should be bent slightly and when turning make sure the arm is not under the individual’s body.



11. Have some kind of a call bell system in place such as a bell the individual can ring. This can be obtained at the Dollar store.



12. Another system could be a baby monitor. If both of these suggestions are unavailable then make frequent visits to check the individual.



13. If the person is nonverbal be aware of the possibility of pain. Check facial expressions using the Face Pain Scale (see attached) and if there is pain, medication for pain relief should be given as ordered. If there is no medication ordered the doctor should be called.



14. As the primary caregiver be sure that medications are given at the times ordered by the physician. Also read all the information sheets sent by the pharmacy, with the individual’s medication, for dosage, adverse effects, interaction and storage.



15. Have a list of the individuals’ medications and dosage. This list should be updated frequently especially whenever any changes occur. This is helpful if for any reason the person is transferred to the hospital you can take it with you.



16. An updated list of all emergency phone numbers should be available. An Advanced Directive or Living Will should be kept with the medication list. This is important to have for anyone who might fill in for you as the primary caregiver at any time. This also should be taken to the hospital.



17. When feeding the person consider the fact that they are not active and cannot always eat what the rest of the family eats. Very often they will tell you they are not hungry. Smaller portions than you would eat should be offered and in between meals offer snacks such as peanut butter jelly or lunch meat sandwiches, puddings, ice cream. Besides food, liquids are also to be offered not just at meals but during the day as well, milkshakes, juices, milk and water.



18. The room in which the individual is in should be bright and cheerful. Family pictures both past and present could be on display. TV such as old sitcoms [I love Lucy, Leave It to Beaver, and The Golden Girls] are just a few they might like. Soft music Big Band Era or the music listened to throughout life is also something that might be enjoyed. These might bring back memories of a happy time.



19. The blinds should be open or a light should be tuned on, as a darkened room can be depressing.