Caring for a senior loved one can be a major challenge. The challenge is compounded when the loved one is bedridden, rendering the person unable to perform even the most basic of functions like using the bathroom.
While not easy, caring for bedridden elderly at home is manageable with a little organization. Here are some tips to care for someone physically confined to their bed.
6 Tips to Care for a Bed-bound Senior Loved One
Wash Linens
Since the person is lying on the linen close to 24/7, the surface can easily get soiled and accumulate bacteria. This is why it’s essential to wash linens frequently to maintain good sanitation.
Change the linen and pillowcases every two to three days. Blankets and comforters don’t require the same frequency of cleaning, about once every seven days should be sufficient to maintain good hygiene.
Establish Healthy Eating Habits
Since the bedridden person may not be able to maintain optimal physical activity, it’s especially important to maintain a healthy diet. Carefully follow the person’s dietary requirements.
Next, be sure meals include plenty of greens and colorful vegetables as well as chopped fruit. An occasional treat like a small serving of ice cream or a pudding cup is fine in moderation as long as it’s within the person’s dietary restrictions. Read more about healthy eating tips for seniors here.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Unless the bedridden person is immobile from the neck down, he/she still has some range of mobility. Be sure the person gets plenty of exercise within his/her means. Here are some exercises to consider, provided it’s within the person’s mobility limits:
- Arm raises
- Leg raises
- Plantarflexion-dorsiflexion – place your hands on the balls of the person’s feet, and the person uses the leg muscles to push away while you provide light resistance.
- Neck rotations
- Sit-ups in bed
If the person is able to get out of bed and exercise for short periods, be present and within an arm’s length of the person to prevent a fall or other mishaps.
Provide a Variety of Entertainment
Be sure there are ample ways for the bedridden person to keep their mind occupied. Giving the person a variety of options gives them at least some sense of control and independence. Here are some entertainment options to consider:
- Adult coloring books
- Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu
- Reading material. Use a Kindle reader to give the person readily access to a variety of books
- Gaming apps
- Social media
- Crosswords, sudoku, and other mind exercise games
Maintain a Comfortable Environment
Keep the room as a whole comfortable. Keep these tips in mind for a comfy bedroom:
- Keep the room well-ventilated by opening windows
- Be sure there’s ample natural lighting. Sunlight raises endorphins and other feel-good hormones
- Minimize the noise from adjacent rooms
- Consider a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity. The ideal range differs depending on the outdoor temperature, but a range between 30% and 50% is considered optimal.
Schedule Discussion Times
Set aside several minutes per day to just sit down and speak with the person. Have a casual discussion and talk about any topic of interest under the sun, from current events to general interests. Schedule the same time for a discussion every day.
Good times include right before or after meal time, or even during. Similarly, you can schedule times for other family members or friends to join in the conversation via Zoom or Line.
Get Help for a Bed-bound Loved One in Lafayette, LA
Home care assistance is available for those needing help with a bedridden loved one, whether they are at their own home or even at senior housing in Lafayette, LA. We understand the process can be a major challenge, which is why our dedicated Home Instead staff is available to provide a helping hand and take the weight off your shoulders.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation Care Consultation to help you decide the best home care option for your bed-bound family member.
Interested in becoming a Caregiver? Browse our available Caregiver jobs and join us!
