Bedridden Patient Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers
Bedridden Patient Care
1. Introduction
This guide provides comprehensive information for caregivers of bedridden patients. Bedridden patients require continuous care due to various reasons:
- Transient illnesses (e.g., accidents, pneumonia)
- Chronic illnesses (e.g., lung disease, renal disease)
- Severe disabilities (e.g., hemiplegia)
These individuals may receive care at home, in nursing homes, or care centers.
2. Home Care
Home care involves shared responsibility between family and professional caregivers. Professionals provide scheduled visits, offering guidance to the family on patient care.
This approach is suitable for convalescing individuals or those with functional limitations without risk of aggravation.
Advantages of Home Care:
- Reduced patient anxiety and infection risk
- Less strain on the hospital system and lower costs compared to hospitalization
2.1 Patient Room Environment
A pleasant, hygienic, and safe environment contributes to the patient’s well-being and recovery. Consider elements like flowers, curtains, and wall color.
Maintaining a Positive Atmosphere:
- Clean and tidy room
- Low noise level
- Comfortable temperature (20-25°C)
- Adequate lighting
- Sufficient ventilation
2.1.1 Cleanliness and Tidiness
A clean and tidy room promotes patient comfort and tranquility. Educate family members on maintaining cleanliness.
2.1.2 Silence
Excessive noise can cause nervousness and distress. Maintain a quiet environment, especially for seriously ill, feverish, or postoperative patients.
Tips for Minimizing Noise:
- Speak softly
- Lower TV/radio volume
- Answer the doorbell/phone promptly
- Wear quiet shoes
- Handle objects carefully
2.1.3 Lighting
Insufficient light can cause accidents, while intense light can strain the eyes. Natural sunlight is ideal, supplemented by artificial light as needed.
Types of Artificial Light:
- General lighting: Uniform and adequately bright
- Concentrated lighting: Focused light source, such as a bedside lamp
- Night light: Soft light for nighttime guidance without disturbing sleep
2.1.4 Ventilation
Frequent ventilation is crucial for:
- Renewing air
- Reducing germs
- Eliminating odors
Open windows and doors when weather permits. If raining, open the door while keeping the window closed.
Tips for Odor Control:
- Change bed linens frequently
- Empty and clean bedpans/urinals promptly
- Ventilate the room
- Avoid smoking
3. The Patient Unit
The patient unit comprises the patient’s occupied area and equipment (furniture, accessories, and sanitary materials).
Common Furniture:
- Bed: Positioned with the head against the wall, other sides at least 1 meter from walls.
- Bedside table: For storing personal items.
- Overbed table: Adjustable height and inclination, for meals and writing.
- Chair: For patient rest or visitors.
- Footstool: Assists patient in getting in/out of bed.
Accessories:
- Bedpan/urinal
- Basin/washbowl
- Sterile container (for samples)
These accessories are typically kept in the bathroom.
4. The Bed
4.1 Professional Bed
Made of stainless steel for easy cleaning and disinfection. Dimensions: Width: 90-95cm, Height: 70cm, Length: 1.9-2m. Equipped with locking casters.
4.2 Mattress
Professional mattresses often have three adjustable segments (head/shoulders, pelvis, lower extremities). Adjustable positions include Fowler’s, Semi-Fowler’s, Trendelenburg, and Reverse Trendelenburg.
4.3 Operating the Professional Bed
Electric motors adjust mattress segments, reducing strain on caregivers. Educate family members on proper operation.
4.4 Bed Accessories
- Trapeze bar: Assists patient movement.
4.5 Mattress Types
Various specialized mattresses help prevent pressure ulcers. Options include foam, water, and air mattresses.
4.6 Bed Linens
- Mattress cover: Waterproof protection.
- Sheets: Bottom and top sheets, often cotton or synthetic fiber.
- Draw sheet: Protects against soiling and aids in patient movement.
- Incontinence pad: Absorbent protection.
- Blanket/quilt: For warmth.
- Pillowcase/pillow: Changed regularly.
4.7 Additional Accessories
- Safety rails: Prevent falls.
- Urine bag holder: Supports urine collection bag.
- Bed cradle: Keeps bedding off patient’s skin.
5. Bed-Making Techniques
Change linens regularly, adjusting frequency to patient needs and caregiver capacity. Gather all necessary materials beforehand. Dispose of soiled linens properly and clean reusable items. Prevent cross-contamination between clean and dirty linens. Use special bags for contaminated laundry if the patient is contagious.