In addition to care, in the simplest terms it is support for bedridden people. This support should include physical support and emotional support. Let’s take a closer look at bedside care and what it entails:
When most people think of bedside care, what comes to mind is physical support, such as proper nutrition, grooming, and hygiene. Bedridden people often need toileting assistance, bathing assistance, and nutritional assistance. However, bedside care is much more than this.
Physical support of bedside care should include the following:
Comfort- Often a bedridden person needs help moving around to get comfortable, they may need you to massage sore muscles or put down pillows. They may need to adjust the temperature or put socks on your feet. Bedside care should address the physical comfort of the bedridden person.
Bathroom assistance- Because people who are bedridden cannot go to the bathroom on their own, products such as adult diapers, pads, and other absorbent products, as well as skin care products, may be needed.
Nutrition-Nutrition is critical to health, especially for the elderly and those who are ill or bedridden while recovering. Unfortunately, more than 2 million older adults are undernourished. This may be because they have limited access to food and limited resources, but it can also be because they are simply getting the wrong foods. Bedside care includes meeting the nutritional needs of the person you care for.
bathe and groom Just because someone is tied to your bed doesn’t mean grooming isn’t important. Bathing and hygiene should be a priority. Find the right tools and daily living resources like inflatable hair washers, rinse-free body washes and the like to help make life easier for the caregiver and more hygienic for the bedridden person. There are a number of products available to help combat odours, maintain cleanliness and promote hygiene for those who are bedridden.
Once the physical needs are met, the job is not over. In fact, much of the care at the bedside is directed at the emotional needs of the individual. Offering emotional support can be just as important as offering food and grooming.
Many of those who are bedridden experience frustration as a result of their total dependence on others. No one likes to feel powerless or feel like a burden to others. It is important that those who offer bedside care offer opportunities for independence, even in small ways. This can be accomplished with the right tools and resources. For example, a BedCaddie can help a bedridden person sit up on their own, or a Beam N Read can give them more freedom to do what they want at night. When an individual can meet some of her needs on their own, it helps with emotional stability.
Take the time to talk and have fun with bedridden people so they don’t feel like a chore. Don’t just talk about your illnesses, but engage in conversations about politics, entertainment, religion, or anything else that interests you.
When offering bedside care, remember that the level of care provided directly affects the quality of life of the loved one requiring care.