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For Everyone Touched By Cancer

How To Help Someone Who Is Bedbound / Bedridden

Written by Dr Shara Cohen on 
23rd September, 2023
Updated: 3rd March, 2024
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Before we head right on in discussing how to help your loved one, family member or friend who is in bed we need to understand the terminology

What is the difference between bedbound and bedridden patients?

Very simply bedbound is the term for anyone who is unable to leave their bed for any reason. For example, if a person splits with their partner and is overwrought with sadness they may not want to leave their bed for days. They could be called bedbound. But someone who is bedridden can't get out of bed dues to illness or weakness. It is physically impossible for them, they are confined and unable to move or even sit upright.

Complications of being confined to bed and how to overcome them

Being bedridden leads to many complications, but there are ways you can minimize these bed ridden complications, as discussed below


Pressure/bed sores

Bedsores are ulcers that happen on areas of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, or wearing a cast for a prolonged time. These pressure ulcers become a serious problem when the patient is frail, has diabetes, circulation problems, or poor nutrition.

Bedsores often happen on the:

  • Buttocks area (on the tailbone or hips)
  • Heels of the feet
  • Shoulder blades
  • Back of the head
  • Backs and sides of the knees

Symptoms of bedsores?

Bedsores are divided into 4 stages, from least severe to most severe.

  • Stage 1. The area looks red and feels warm to the touch. With darker skin, the area may have a blue or purple tint. The area may burn, hurt, or feel itchy.
  • Stage 2. The area may have an open sore, scrape, or blister. There may be significant pain and the skin around the wound can be discolored.
  • Stage 3. The area has a crater-like appearance.
  • Stage 4. The area is severely damaged and a large wound is present.

Bedsores are nasty but they can be treated. However, there are some very simple steps bed ridden patients can take to avoid getting bedsores.

How can bedsores be prevented?

With some simple movement, good nutrition, and skincare, bedsores can usually be avoided. Here are some things to do to avoid getting bedsores or to stop them from getting worse.

  • Not staying in the same position but turning and repositioning every 2 hours
  • Sitting upright and straight in a wheelchair, changing position every 15 minutes
  • Have soft padding in wheelchairs and beds to reduce pressure
  • Get good skin care products and a good skin care routine, keep the skin clean and dry
  • Providing good nutrition because without enough calories, vitamins, minerals, fluids, and protein, bed sores can’t heal.
  • Inspect the skin for areas of redness (the first sign of skin breakdown) every day. 


Weak bones and muscles

Bone loss and weak muscles can occur over several months for someone who cannot do weight-bearing exercises, such as a bedbound person.

But in general, otherwise healthy people (including those with cancer) who undergo prolonged periods of bed rest or immobilization can regain bone mass when they resume weight-bearing activities. Studies suggest that there is a good chance to fully recover the lost bone if the immobilization period is limited to 1 to 2 months.

Brief intervals of weight-bearing activity during periods of limited mobility or bed rest can help lessen the bone loss.

Back pain 

Remaining in one position for a long period puts pressure on the spinal column, causing back pain. Repositioning frequently to avoid stress on the spine can help avoid this.


Blood clots

Blood clots often form due to immobility or inactivity. The primary cause of this type of blood clot is the pooling of the blood in the lower extremities. To avoid getting blood clots even small movements can be important. If someone is at risk of getting blood clots compression socks might also be suggested.


Constipation

Prolonged best rest can often cause constipation, but most cases can be treated with increased fiber in the diet and plenty of water

Sleep problems

Sleep problems are common because bedridden patients

  • may adopt an irregular sleeping schedule
  • aren’t getting physical exercise
  • are feeling pain from lying in uncomfortable positions too long.

A regular sleep schedule, use active and passive exercises daily and make sure the person is sleeping in comfortable and varied positions helps

Loss of appetite 

Bedridden patients may feel listless and lose their appetites. Or, they may not be as hungry because they are not using as much physical energy - or they may even have apprehensions about toileting that make them refuse food.

They may have lost interest in food because they are bored or lack stimulation.

Keeping alert and engaged in a variety of activities can help them be more interested in food, but this is tricky one and it is important to first understand why the person is not eating. Once this is discovered there may be a simple solution, so gentle probe your friend or loved one to see if you can figure out what the problem is.

Mental health issues

Being confined to bed can result in a person remaining passive and withdrawn. Bedridden patients can become depressed because they feel like they are a burden, or because they have lost autonomy, or because social interactions are limited. It’s important to address emotional and mental health needs and to help patients know they are still a part of their communities.

Practical risks

It is also important to think of the practicalities of being bedridden. For example, in the unlikely event of a house fire, people who are bedridden are at risk, due to their lack of mobility. They may also be at risk of hurting themselves by falling out of bed if they are less mobile than before. So it's important t assess the areas of living or perhaps to get a professional in to have a look around and see if there are any obvious dangers to the set up.

Hygiene tips for bed bound people

Hygiene is obviously important to maintaining overall health and here are some tips to maintain good hygene standards.

Bathe regularly

If a patient is unable to bathe themselves, a loved one or carer may need to give them regular bed baths.

Items needed for a bed bath

  • Bath towels, facecloths, and hand towels
  • Soft sponges
  • A bucket of warm water
  • Gentle, non-irritating soap
  • A washbasin
  • Cotton buds or a nail brush
  • Moisturizer
  • Body powder (optional)

How to do a bed bath for an immobile bedbound patient

  1. Place bath towels underneath the bedbound person to keep the bed dry.
  2. Use a moist hand towel or sponge to wash the eyes and face (as gently as possible). You don't need to use soap on the face and it may be best to avoid it because it might irritate.
  3. Roll down the sheet or blanket so that you can see their upper body only. It is best to only expose the part of the body that you’re actively cleaning and to keep the rest of the body covered (for warmth and modesty).
  4. Use a fresh moist towel or sponge to clean and care for the upper body. A gentle cleansing soap is best and even these can irritate some people, so it's best to check that the soap you are using is familiar to them and OK to use.
  5. Clean their upper body and arms. You could also expose just the legs and lean them at this point.
  6. Clean under and around their fingernails (cotton buds or nail brushes are best for this).
  7. Help them roll or turn as needed. They will need to move so you can thoroughly clean the patient’s back.
  8. Clean their genitals and buttocks area with a fresh moist towel or sponge. Make sure to clean within any folds
  9. Ensure that you dry all areas thoroughly, including in between folds of skin.
  10. Dip the bedbound patient’s feet in a washbasin and clean feet with a towel or sponge, then dry.
  11. Use a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer and body powder to keep the skin hydrated and to soothe dry or itchy patches.
  12. Dry the patient then change them into a clean set of clothes.

Keeping the hair clean

In addition to bathing, it’s a good practice to regularly wash their hair.

In between washes, they could use dry shampoo as needed to keep hair from getting greasy and uncomfortable. And try to do a thorough wash at least once a week, or more often if their hair gets especially grimy.

How to wash hair in bed

  1. Place towels under the head and shoulders.
  2. Comb through hair to remove tangles and drape another towel over their shoulders. You could also use a hair stylist’s cape or something similar.
  3. If there is alot of hair, it can be easier to clip their hair into sections. Then, use a spray bottle to wet the hair with warm water and a small amount of shampoo. Work it in from the scalp upwards to the ends of the hair. Then, rinse the hair with a separate spray bottle of water.
  4. When all the hair is clean, wrap their head in a dry towel. Then, use a hairdryer to gently dry their hair.

Trim nails

Long and/or jagged nails can present a multitude of health risks.

Dirt and bacteria get trapped under the nails and transfer to the skin when the patient touches or scratches themselves, potentially resulting in infection.

Regularly use a pair of nail clippers and nail files to keep nails trimmed and filed into a smooth, rounded shape.

Change bedding

People who aren’t bedridden can usually get away with changing their bedding every week. But when someone is bedridden, their bedding will need to be changed more often.

Brush teeth after meals

To keep teeth and gums healthy, you could help your friend or loved one clean their mouth after each meal.

If possible, floss and rinse twice a day to ensure you’re getting rid of any trapped food particles.

If they can do this themselves you may just need to bring them a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, water, and spit bucket.

Keep their room clean and tidy

A dirty environment is a hygiene risk and a messy environment can have a negative impact on someone’s mental and emotional well-being. You could help by keeping their room comfortable and organized and remove clutter from the floor.

Plenty of natural light in the room can help and you may want to regularly open the windows when possible (and when you have permission) to keep the air fresh.

What to buy someone who is bedridden or bedbound

There are plenty of products that help people who are bedridden and most of these can be found in our Living WIth Cancer shop.

If you want to get a special gift you could try one of our gifts created for bed rest and convalescence.

Final thoughts

There is certainly a lot to think about when someone you know is bedridden or bedbound. We hope that this article has given you some insight and has helped. Please do let us know what you think and if you have anything to add.

Further reading

Cancer Caregivers Need To Take Care Of Themselves Too!

What To Say To Someone Who Has Cancer (And What Not To Say)

Cancer Patient Nutrition – Navigating The Nonsense after a Diagnosis

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