Caring for immobile people requires knowledge and experience.
Immobility is a physical disability. According to the World Health Organization, it is defined as: “any limitation or lack of ability (caused by impairment) to perform activities in a manner or to a level considered normal for human beings”. Which means that it is a question of temporary or permanent, partial or complete reduction of physical and/or intellectual abilities.
There are various causes that lead to immobility. It is usually the result of an acquired disease, injury or disorder. Although it is not a rare case that it is inherited or innate. Also, aging is one of the frequent factors that causes immobility. Namely, anatomical changes occur over the years, so that the connective tissue increases compared to the collagen tissue. As a result, elasticity in blood vessels and joints decreases, so serious injuries are a common occurrence in people who have entered the third age. That is why the care of the elderly often involves the care of immobile persons.
Given that immobility, especially acquired, leads to changes in the way of life, help in the daily routine is necessary. MinuteNurse Home health & care reveals what it includes.
Maintaining personal hygiene
The key part when it comes to the care of immobile people is help with personal hygiene. Depending on the degree of disability, help is needed when dressing, bathing, shaving and combing, and even for the use of orthopedic aids.
Irregular, but also inadequate hygiene in people with poor mobility and lying down can cause a number of complications. In order to avoid skin rashes and infections, it is recommended to bathe at least 2 times a week, and wash the genital area daily, as well as wash and brush the teeth.
A special problem for healthy people is decubitis. That is, the appearance of chronic wounds from long-term lying or sitting in one position. As we are talking about serious damage to the skin and tissues, the care of immobile persons in terms of personal hygiene must also include the prevention of decubitus.
If, however, the decubitis occurred during the implementation of hygiene, it is necessary to bandage the wounds and treat them with adequate therapy.
Personal hygiene for completely immobile persons also includes changing diapers. This is usually done for a couple of hours, during which care should be taken to choose the right size diaper.
Proper nutrition
Immobile people cannot prepare meals by themselves, and some cannot even feed themselves, so they need help in this segment.
Nutrition is very important for preserving vitality and immunity so that an already weakened organism can fight against negative influences from the external environment.
Meals must be light, balanced and made from healthy, fresh ingredients. In this way, the body gets all the nutrients, and the cheating process goes smoothly. This prevents constipation, which is a common problem for immobile people.
Social life
Caring for immobile people is not only about physical, but also about mental health. Do not forget that these people, due to limited mobility, are often lonely, which increases the risk of depression.
Instead of isolation, immobile people should be active participants in society. Starting from hanging out and playing fun games with caregivers, to going on trips and cultural events – every moment is important for social life.
The expertise and immense dedication of the staff of the center for the care of the elderly and sick, MinuteNurse Home health & care, will raise the life of immobile people to a higher level. Contact us and see for yourself the benefits of personal home care that we offer.
