Care Of Bedridden Patients

Even when people who have been rendered paralysed, whether temporarily or permanently, as a result of a stroke receive the best medical care possible, there are a number of problems that might worsen their situation. As a result, it’s important to take some precautions.

1. Promote Good Grooming and Hygiene

Making sure a bedridden patient’s basic hygiene and grooming needs are met is a great way to aid them. Some examples are:

Bathing – 

Some people might be able to get up and take a shower or bath by themselves, while others could need significant assistance. In this instance, it’s fine to give a daily bed bath.

Dental treatment – 

Once again, some people may be able to wash their own teeth without assistance, while others may require assistance.

Garments –

If you want to keep dirt, germs, and bacteria from becoming a problem, you should change into clean clothes every day.

Nails (both finger and toe) – 

Nails and toenails that are too long can cause scrapes and other injuries, and the healing process can be irritating. Nails that are let to grow too long can become ingrown or diseased.

Haircuts and shaving – 

Parasites like lice and bedbugs love to infest long, untidy hair. One preventative measure is to keep hair, beards, and moustaches neat and tidy.

2. Prevent Bedsores

Bedsores, often called pressure sores, develop when a person remains in one position, such as sitting or laying, for an extended amount of time. The skin on your buttocks, legs, and thighs may break down and split due to the constant pressure from sitting. In the end, the affected area becomes exceedingly painful and uncomfortable, and in the worst situation, bedsores can become infected, causing serious consequences that can limit life expectancy.

3. Change Bed Linens Regularly

Changing the linens may not seem like much, but it may have a dramatic effect. Bedding can become soiled from a variety of sources, including meals, bed baths, dirt, dead skin, and other detritus.

Some considerations to bear in mind when switching out bed sheets, for the sake of health and cleanliness:

Because persons who are bedridden tend to spend more time in bed than the average person, it is essential that their linens (including their fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases) be changed every two to three days.

It’s important to wash and dry the new bedding before using it.

4. Promote Healthy Dietary Habits

A nutritious diet is essential for everyone, but it takes on added importance for people who are sick or recovering from medical procedures like surgery. Find out what foods (in addition to any nutritional supplements) are recommended by the person’s doctor, nurse, or cancer nutritionist.

5. Create a Relaxing Setting

Take a few moments to make sure the person is as comfortable as possible; our immediate surroundings have a significant impact on our emotional well-being.

Natural sunshine is an excellent disinfectant, so make sure the space has plenty of it if at all possible.

Make sure there is clear, unobstructed access to the loo at all times.

Make sure the bed is next to a nightstand where you can easily retrieve your essentials in the middle of the night.

6. Employ Patience and Empathy

It’s not easy to take care of a loved one. It’s easy to lose patience, feel unappreciated, or grow overwhelmed even when trying to do the right thing. Here are some strategies for warding off or coping with unpleasant emotions.

7. Ask for Assistance when You’re Stuck

One of the most crucial aspects of caregiving is realising when you need outside assistance. Hire a nurse or other qualified medical expert to assist you if you can. Maintain constant contact with your loved one’s medical staff so that they can advise you on how to best deal with any issues that may emerge.