A bed-bound patient is someone who has become very weak and is no longer able to move easily, instead, they are confined to their bed. Becoming bedridden doesn’t only take a toll on the patient’s life, but also on those who take care of him or her. As a caregiver, it is essential to learn how to properly take care of a bed-bound patient, both physically and emotionally. Unable to move around, the bedridden patient has limited social interaction. At home, bedridden patients may feel guilty for their families taking care of them. Mood swings of being mad, angry, and very sad are not uncommon. Some verbalize a wish to die. Caregivers at the same time may feel burned out if they have to take care of the bedridden patient 24 hours a day without a regular reliever. Such a situation could be stressful for the whole family.
Learning Objectives Taking Care of Bedridden Patients
- Understand possible medical conditions or causes of being bedridden.
- Learn the importance of providing good hygiene for bedridden patients.
- List interventions to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Understand why promoting a comfortable environment is so important.
- Understand the possible psychological effects on a person who becomes bedridden and dependent on their care because of their medical condition.
- Understand that caregiver burnout is a possibility.