Healthcare professionals understand that caring for bedbound patients requires specialized skill, knowledge, patience, and compassion. As the population continues to grow older — in the US alone, Americans ages 65 and older will reach 80 million in 2040 — the number of housebound and bedbound individuals is also expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. Thus, healthcare workers and family members must have fundamental and practical bedbound-care knowledge and skills to ensure that bedbound individuals receive quality care in the hospital or at home.
In this article, we’ll discuss some important tips to empower nurses, nursing assistants, and patients’ family members to care for bedbound patients effectively and compassionately.
What is bedbound or bedridden?
Being bedbound or bedridden refers to being confined to bed, typically because of an illness or advanced age. Patients can be temporarily bedbound, such as those who have undergone major surgical procedures or are recuperating from an illness, fracture, or acute chronic conditions. But they can also be permanently bedridden, such as those who have permanent musculoskeletal disabilities.
Because of their being immobile, bedbound patients can experience pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and depression.
Tips on how to take care of a bedbound patient
1. Prioritize the patient’s hygiene needs
One of the most imperative parts of caring for a bedbound patient is prioritizing Giving a patient a bed bath regularly can help promote personal hygiene and improve psychological well-being and quality of life.
There are various ways to give bed baths. Depending on the patient’s comfort level, healthcare professionals can give bed baths by using soap and water, disposable wipes, waterless soap and shampoo, or rinse-free shampoo caps.
The Nursing Times recommends a patient-centric approach to giving bed baths:
· Gentle skincare: The skin of an older adult is generally more sensitive and vulnerable. Therefore, nurses and nursing assistants need to use gentle wiping motions when cleaning a patient’s body.
· Relationship building and interaction: Giving a patient a bed bath is a good opportunity to build trust, check on the patient, and look for skin lesions or pressure ulcers.
· Participation in care: Allowing patients to take part in the bed bathing process can do wonders for their self-esteem and independence.
· Providing comfort: Accommodate patients’ needs, especially if they’re living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and may find bathing a scary experience.
· Maintaining dignity: Always ensure that patients receive bed baths in a respectful manner with as minimal body exposure as possible to maintain dignity.
· Providing choices: Healthcare workers must employ an individualized approach that works best for each patient.
Aside from keeping a patient’s body as clean as possible, nurses and family members must also ensure that a patient’s bedlinens are regularly changed and that the patient’s teeth are brushed regularly. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to the development of respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, certain cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Make sure that their dietary and nutrition needs are met
Eating a well-balanced diet is important for everyone at every age, and this is particularly true for bedridden patients. Not only will a nutritious diet and drinking enough liquids help reduce the risk of constipation and other bowel problems, but it will also reduce the risk of developing bed sores.
Eating foods rich in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and zinc can help boost the immune system and ultimately, promote the overall wellness of bedbound individuals. Make sure that a cup of water is always within the patient’s reach. You can also boost a bedridden patient’s hydration levels via delicious and nutritious soups, yogurt bowls, and fresh fruits.
3. Ensure that the patient feels comfortable and happy
Aside from providing practical assistance to bedridden patients, healthcare professionals and family members can drastically improve their quality of life by providing emotional support. Find out what they enjoy doing — if they enjoy listening to music, make sure that a radio is within reach or create a Spotify playlist that includes their favorite songs. If they like watching movies or shows, ensure that the TV is always working and that the remote control is handy. If they like conversing with people, take the time to listen to their stories (which is possibly more applicable to family members and friends).
