Bed Bound Patients: From Self-care to Fun

Yes, being sick and bed bound doesn’t sound like fun. But there are ways to turn that around by being smart, realistic and proactive. You’re probably advised bed rest due to an illness or injury. The more time you spend in bed, the duller you’re going to get. While you may not be able to avoid the effects of an illness, you can certainly take preventive measures to ensure a speedy recovery. Look at it this way – you’ll be taking time off from work, you’ll have friends and family come and visit you and take care of you, you’ll have a lot of free time on hand, and you’ll get to be in bed all day!

Before you get to the fun part, do some damage control. There are many health issues that can arise from lack of movement and exercise. A bedridden person is likely to get stiff muscles, back pain, loss of appetite, UTI, constipation and pressure sores. Follow a simple routine to tackle these little demons before they creep out from under your bed!

Self-care:

• Personal hygiene – If you require advanced care, opt for nursing help. Begin your day with a warm sponge bath, followed by grooming and a change of clothes. Tedious as it may feel, you’ll be thankful when you have visitors and your hair is parted neatly and your mouth feels minty fresh. Following a good hygiene routine also ensures that your skin does not develop rashes and other abnormalities.
• Cleanliness – While you’re at it, have the bed covers and pillow cases changed as well. This way, you prevent infections and the spread of bacteria. Ask your caretaker to help keep the house tidy and clutter-free.
• Bedding – The right kind of cushioning can help spread the body weight evenly, inducing muscle relaxation and deeper sleep. Opt for a good air mattress and pressure care cushions from Safety and Mobility to maintain your posture, prevent contractures, pressure injuries and infections.
• Exercise – Repositioning and (passive or active) exercise is vital for your overall well-being and recovery. You can find several kinds of exercise equipment and furniture like adjustable beds, chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs, to help with your rehabilitation and mobility.

Fun activities:

• Read – For the longest time, you haven’t been able to finish a book. Now that you finally have the time, pick up that dusty book on your bedside table and read!
• Write – When was the last time you sent a handwritten postcard or letter to someone? It’s time to use that fancy stationery and write to your loved ones.
• Journaling – How about documenting your thoughts into a journal? You could also track your treatment and reflect on this time as a learning experience for your future self. It is a great introspection exercise.
• Listening – Music, podcasts, audiobooks; there’s so much to listen to. Hit play!
• Binging – You know you want to binge that Netflix series everyone has been talking about.
• Get a massage – Consult your doctor and if it is suitable in your condition, get a therapeutic massage to help speed up the healing process.
• Plan your year – What’s the itinerary for that trip you’re planning to take? Pre-book the tickets. What’ll you gift your parents on their 35^th wedding anniversary? Preorder it.
• Meditate – Close your eyes, follow your breath and achieve that calm state of mind and body you’ve been longing for.

Be a cooperative patient and positively take up the responsibility restore your health. Often enough, things aren’t as bad as they seem. Your willpower and attitude towards your predisposition will drastically affect your recovery.