At Home Care Services for Bedridden Seniors

Caring for a bedridden loved one can be both physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting for families. Fortunately, the personal and professional care they need can be provided by an at home care services agency with the experience and expertise for caring for a bedridden senior.

Homecare services are often the ideal answer when care has become too taxing on the family and moving their loved one to a sterile nursing home isn't an option. At home care services provide bedridden seniors with a higher level of care and comfort in a familiar setting to minimize the depression that often accompanies a sudden lack of mobility.

Of course, seniors who are confined to their bed pose significant challenges as well. In addition to other non-medical at home care services, such as bathing, cooking, managing medications, and running errands, caregivers must be even more diligent to prevent bedsores. Since bedsores form easily on the body's pressure points, such as the spine, buttocks, hips, and elbows, it's important for caregivers to frequently change the senior's position in bed. An at home care services agency can also assist with stretching and moving joints to decrease the possibility of bedsores, prevent joint stiffness, and promote circulation.

There are several factors to consider when caring for seniors who are confined to their beds, including hygiene, comfort, and keeping the bed clean.

Hygiene:
Hygiene is an important part of at home care services for bedridden seniors. They should be given a bed bath every day to clean, refresh, and relax. Baths also improve circulation, which is a vital component of preventing bedsores. In addition to assisting with brushing their teeth or cleaning their dentures, at home care services also include brushing their hair, shaving them, and clipping their fingernails and toenails. Paying attention to bedridden seniors' hygiene and appearance improves morale because they typically feel better when they look better.

Comfort:
When seniors are confined to their bed, ensuring comfort is job number one for an at home care services agency. It provides support for seniors' back and joints to avoid straining, and their arms and legs are comfortably positioned in the bed as well. Several pillows support their head, neck, and back and, if necessary, a brace is installed at their feet so they don't slide down the bed. When changing positions, the caregiver carefully guides their movements to comfortably resituate them.

Bed Maintenance:
Maintaining the bed is another critical part of at home care services for bedridden seniors. Bed linen should be changed regularly to prevent germs and, of course, whenever linens become soiled. Home caregivers ensure that the mattress is firm and protected with a waterproof cover, and they turn the mattress over on a weekly basis to prevent premature wear on one side.

Meals and Activities:
An at home care services agency makes mealtime social and ensures the senior stays engaged. In addition to adhering to the senior's specialized diet, caregivers keep him or her occupied with conversation, reading materials, television, radio, card games, puzzles, and visitors.

If your senior loved one is bedridden but can still stay in the comfort of his or her own home with some professional assistance, homecare services can provide the care he or she needs and allow you to rest easier. Learn more about at home care services by visiting http://www.CambrianHomecare.com or calling 877.422.2270.