Care of the Bed Bound Patient

When illness forces us to bed and limits our activities, the body revolts. Muscles stiffen and contract, skin breaks down and forms wounds known as, bed sores and our lungs get wetter and less able to breathe effectively. Sometimes small blood clots form in our blood vessels and can cause severe complications. Trust me, even the fluffiest, most comfy mattress in the world becomes a most uncomfortable prison if you can never escape from it.

Fortunately, there are simple things caregivers can do to provide relief. I'm going to list 10 things you can do to enhance the quality of life of your bed bound loved one:

Ask the doctor to order a hospital bed and a pressure relieving overlay mattress. A hospital bed makes positioning easier for the patient and caregiver. Changing the patient's position frequently relieves pressure on backs, buttocks and hips. Raising the head of the bed can assist the patient at meal times, when taking medications or with breathing. If the patient has good upper body strength, request a bed trapeze too. This device lets the patient use her upper arm strength to help with repositioning.

Get at least 4 pillows, include one of those long body pillows since you can and place them between the knees, ankles, under the arms and behind the back when the patient is laid on her side.

Always use a draw sheet and place it under the hips and buttocks of the patient. NOT behind their back. You can use folded sheets but commercially sold water-proof pads are strong enough to support the patient and protect linens from fluids. Use these pads and not the patient's arms and legs to re-position them in bed. Patients should be turned every 2 hours to prevent bed sores, and yes, bed sores can occur in just a few hours.

Perform daily or twice daily skin checks. Pay close attention to the skin on the back of the ears, buttocks, heels and back.

Avoid electric blankets or heating pads. Some patients have compromised vascular status and these blankets quickly become warm enough to burn.

Ask a nurse or nursing assistant to show you how to reposition a bed bound patient. Improper transfer technique can hurt the patient and the caregiver.

Avoid the use of urinary catheters. These catheters can be convenient but increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Confused patients may pull at them, causing injury.

Purchase heel protectors sold at medical supply stores. These provide essential protection to the skin of the heels, a common site of bed sores.

Position the patient's bottom above the middle of the bed and keep the foot of the hospital bed slightly elevated. Positioning the bed this way helps keep the patient from scrunching down in the bed.

I've never met a patient who didn't enjoy a back, shoulder massage. What a wonderful way to provide service to this person. It's good for your soul too!