A person who remains in bed for a prolonged period due to prostration and/or disability due to age, accident or illness, may suffer atrophy in the muscles of his body, and also severe damage to his circulatory system due to improper blood flow .
It will be extremely important to help them perform regular movements and exercises that will improve their quality of life even while immobilized. The family's role will be crucial in encouraging small activities and daily walks to improve the bedridden patient 's mood.
Next, we'll tell you how to improve blood circulation in a bedridden patient and the possible complications if you don't do it right.
Tips to avoid circulation problems in lying patients
- EXERCISE:
Perform exercises in bed to avoid losing muscle mass, as this causes muscle atrophy and weakness, as well as circulation and blood flow problems.
- JOINTS:
Perform activities that mobilize your joints and prevent stiffness, functional loss, and pain with any movement.
- WALKS:
Take regular walks. Standing and walking with the help of a family member or healthcare professional is the best exercise for your circulation .
- FEEDING:
Follow a diet that does not cause fluid retention or cardiac wear.
- SKIN CARE:
Take special care with pressure ulcers, which are skin lesions whose severity can vary depending on their depth. They range from superficial sores to the risk of reaching bone.
- HYGIENE:
Ensure proper personal hygiene and grooming of the patient while lying down.
- MASSAGES:
Massage the extremities to ensure adequate venous return .
- NUTRIENTS:
Ensure a proper diet with the necessary nutrients, as a lack of these increases the possibility of ulcers.
- POSTURE AND SPINE HYGIENE:
Proper postures should always be maintained to prevent spinal injuries in bedridden patients .
- SPHINCTERS
Ensure proper sphincter evacuation to avoid infections and urogenital complications.
Check out our helpful Practical Guide: Patient Positioning in Bed
Exercises for bedridden patients that improve circulation
Patients who spend all day lying down may suffer from circulation problems, pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, tension, and stiffness.
We'll provide you with a series of patient mobilization exercises that can be fully assisted by a caregiver, or, if the patient is comfortable, they can perform the entire movement alone. In the latter case, it's recommended that the exercises be guided to avoid accidents.
REACTIVATE CIRCULATION
-
Raise your arms toward the sky with your elbows extended and open and close your hands.
-
Maintaining the same position, make circles in both directions with both arms.
-
With your legs bent and your heels resting on the bed, flex your feet up and down without lifting your legs.
-
In the same position, make circles with both feet in both directions.
RELAXING EYE TENSION THAT CAN CAUSE MIGRAINE
- Move your head from side to side, turning it on the pillow, but keeping your gaze fixed on the ceiling.
- With your head fixed on the pillow, move your eyes from one side to the other.
- Move your head up and down, but keep your gaze fixed on the ceiling.
- Move your eyes up and down, but keep your head still and facing the ceiling.
STRETCHING
- Make a movement as if stretching
- In a lying position with the soles of your feet on the bed, you should keep your knees bent and apply pressure so that your lower back rests on the mattress.
- Push your chin down, pulling out your double chin, to stretch your cervical area and perform a self-elongation of your spine.
- Stretch your arms and legs, each to the extent of your ability.
CHANGE POSTURE TO PREVENT PRESSURE ULCERS
- Change position as frequently as possible.
- Go from lying on your back to lying on your side.
- Stay seated for a while if possible,
- Stand up if possible.
MAINTAIN MUSCLE TONE
- With your legs stretched out, place a rolled towel on the mattress under your knees.
- Your knees should apply pressure to the towel. Hold for a few seconds and rest without lifting your leg. Do this in a series of repetitions, alternating legs.
- Perform movements with one arm, resisting it with the other.
The information you've read up to this point will be very helpful in supporting a family member or loved one who is going through a painful and difficult period in their life, such as bedriddenness, whether temporary or permanent. You'll be able to improve their quality of life by preventing pain, discomfort, and possible infections.
If you attempt any of the exercises we've recommended, always do so with caution, under supervision, and always following the instructions of a healthcare professional , such as a physical therapist, orthopedist, geriatrician, or other specialist. This will empower you and ensure your commitment to the health and physical integrity of both the patient and yourself.
Remember that all patients have rights and deserve the best treatment, dignity, and quality of life, even if they are unconscious, have terminal illnesses, or are in the final stages of life. Make sure to ensure their hygiene, nutrition, care, and pain management. We hope this information has been helpful and that you can successfully complete it.
If you want to prevent ulcers and injuries, check out our complete line of products for bedridden patients.
