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Special consideration needs to be given to bedbound seniors. They face many unique challenges, ranging from a heightened risk of skin infections to the potential for life-threatening respiratory problems. Since these risks are real, there are several things you can do for a bedbound senior loved one to ensure he or she remains happy and healthy.
Encourage Sitting Up in Bed
Lying flat on the back may be more comfortable for your loved one. However, staying in this position for long periods may raise the risk of developing pneumonia or other bacterial lung infections. Encourage your loved one to sit up in bed as much as possible and occasionally take deep breaths to promote optimal lung function. Sitting up in bed is especially important for seniors who have recently undergone surgery because general anesthesia can raise the risk of increased bronchial secretions and pulmonary infections.
Apply Moisturizer
Bedbound seniors are at risk for developing skin breakdown, which may be related to many different causes, including immobility, dehydration, diminished collagen function related to the aging process, and a decreased lipid layer on the skin. It’s important to liberally apply moisturizer to your loved one’s skin to relieve dryness, strengthen the top layer of the skin, and relieve itching. Moisturizing the skin can keep your loved one comfortable and lower the risk of skin tears and excoriation.
Issues such as skin breakdown can be especially problematic for bedbound seniors, who may be more susceptible to germs because of diminished immune function. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly Home Care. Las Vegas families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Monitor Nutritional Status
Because seniors who are bedbound have special nutritional needs, it’s crucial to monitor your loved one’s nutritional status to ensure he or she is receiving the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to mobility-related health conditions, such as an increased risk of infection, compromised skin condition, muscle weakness and atrophy, and psychological problems. If you’re unsure of your loved one’s nutritional status, call the doctor for recommendations on dietary supplements or meal replacement shakes to ensure your loved one is well nourished.
If you find it challenging to prepare nutritious meals for your loved one, consider enlisting the support of a professional caregiver. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Prevent Isolation
Being confined to a bed can have a significant impact on a senior’s mental health. If your loved one is bedbound, make sure to spend as much time as you can with him or her. In addition, ask family members and friends to visit as often as possible so your loved one will still have company when you’re unable to be there. Social isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The added stress of isolation may raise the risk of impaired immunity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. If you or other members of the family are unable to stay with your loved one because of other obligations, contact a home care agency to see if they offer companion services for elderly people. Skin tears, respiratory issues, and other conditions can be especially problematic for bedbound seniors, who may be more susceptible to infections because of diminished immune function.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Las Vegas, NV, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us today.
