There are no rights or wrongs when it comes to the language you use to describe how you feel..
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
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.
Being bedridden leads to many complications, but there are ways you can minimize these bed ridden complications, as discussed below
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:
Bedsores are divided into 4 stages, from least severe to most severe.
Bedsores are nasty but they can be treated. However, there are some very simple steps bed ridden patients can take to avoid getting bedsores.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 are common because bedridden patients
A regular sleep schedule, use active and passive exercises daily and make sure the person is sleeping in comfortable and varied positions helps
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.
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.
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 is obviously important to maintaining overall health and here are some tips to maintain good hygene standards.
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
How to do a bed bath for an immobile bedbound patient
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr Cohen started her working life as a research scientist and lecturer with over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
She followed a classical scientific career until she left mainstream science in 2000 (which coincided with the birth of her first daughter) to establish the Life Science Communications company, Euroscicon Ltd.
Euroscicon Ltd was her first company (which she sold in 2016).
Current Projects
In 2013 Dr Cohen was diagnosed with Cancer and set up Cancer Care Parcel which provides appropriate gifts for people with cancer.
Dr Cohen is the lead scientific advisor at Optimised Healthcare. A medical profiling company which provides advanced disease prediction, prevention and wellness optimization services.
She also works with and establishes businesses and charities which benefit local, national and international communities.
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