Caring for the Bedridden Patient
A person who is bedridden usually needs full-time care and attention, This means that a care team will likely be
‘working together (including family, friends, nurses and other professional help). Because of this, itis important to
make sure that every care team member keeps a written record of the patient's care. Any treatments and medications
ordered by the doctor and given to the patient should be recorded. Your healthcare provider may also be interested
in a record of the patient's appetite, bowel movements, body temperature, pulse and respiration,
Comfort maintain the health ofthe hait, improve the patient’ appear:
‘Comfort comes first. Support should be provided for the ance and morale, and stimulate interest in personal grooming,
Patient's back and joins to prevent stain, The arms and legs If Patient looks better, he or she wil often feel beter. Help
Should be positioned comferably and supported when neves- the male patient to shave, and help the female patient put on
sary. When changing the patients position in bed, communi- her make-up. shampoo should be given on a regular sched.
: tle, Finger-and toenails should also be cleaned and trimmed.
Ifthe skin of the
after the bath
cate what you are going to do (o gain his ot her cooperation,
Guide his movements rather than lifting him ifhe is able to
‘move himself. IFthe patient is unable to help him- or herself,
a draw sheet and a second person is usually requited to move
the patient around the bed. Maintain good posture and posi. Changing the Bed
nds and feet becomes dry, apply a lotion
tion, Change linens often, providing several pillows forsup- The patient’ bed linen should be changed everyday or more
pom. A hospital bed that can often iit becomes soiled
be adjusted wll also make Select a frm mattress an
the pent mre comin ENTS Fon iwi dale
able, aswellasrelievingback | What Are Bedsores? Covering and a cotton pad for
strain fr the caregiver the patient’ comfor. A drav-
bedsores breakdown of the skin or a wound over a Ser ee es Nate
Hygiene bony surface. Ulcers develop when blood supply tothe skin | bed will protect the bottom
Cetin ofthepatene | #'tuced overa period oftime Itiscnsed primanlyby | Shee om becoming ed
be and surroundings are J Ling