Being bedridden comes with a range of physical and emotional difficulties – not the least being that the patient is more susceptible to developing bedsores.

Bedsores can greatly increase a bedridden patient’s pain and discomfort, as well as being a great source of misery during the time and treatment needed to heal them.

One good thing, however, is that bedsores are preventable. One of the most effective ways to do this is via the use of a low air loss mattress. Here are five great ways a bedridden patient can benefit from using one:

1. Pressure relief

Low air loss mattresses are inflatable mattresses comprised of air-filled cells. They are designed in a way to reduce constant pressure being placed on the body of a patient when lying down on it. Instead, this pressure is well distributed so that bedsores – also known as pressure sores – do not form. This pressure relief is also a benefit for patients with existing sores which need healing.

2. Prevents moisture build-up

Bedsores are more likely to develop on weakened areas of skin. Areas that are constantly exposed to moisture can become easily damaged and, therefore, weakened. Low air loss mattresses provide a constant airstream circulation between the mattress and the patient’s skin. This stream prevents moisture and humidity from building up, e.g., from sweat. It also means the skin’s temperature can be kept at a constant level – again preventing perspiration.

3. Comfort

Since low air loss mattresses are inflatable and made up of air cells, many patients find it to be a far more comfortable alternative to a normal hospital or domestic mattress. A priority for any bedridden patient, especially those with existing sores, is maintaining a feeling of comfort. Low air loss mattresses offer this important element to a patient – almost helping them feel as if they are sleeping on a bed of air.

4. Portable

If a bedridden patient needs to have frequent hospital visits or even desires to stay at a different location on occasions, one benefit of a low air loss mattress is that it is portable. The mattress can be deflated for travel and then re-inflated again when needed. Most will fit easily onto an existing bed frame. Many bedridden patients appreciate this convenience.

If you are considering investing in a good low air loss mattress for a bedridden patient, find a store that is reputable at selling reliable and effective mattress systems. One good option is Volkner.com. Here you’ll find low air loss mattresses which have a unique feature called the Volkner System. This special system is a turning system which means the patient is gently turned every 4, 5 or 6 minutes, as preferred, so that they don’t have to be moved manually to prevent them becoming uncomfortable in bed, and also as an extra measure against the development of bedsores. Visit the website to also view other mattresses such as the alternating pressure mattress and bariatric mattress which are also effective products for the prevention of bedsores and for the comfort of the bedridden patient.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

If you’re taking care of a sick and bedridden loved-one, you’ll want to help them avoid the misery of developing bedsores. Sadly, every bedridden patient is susceptible to these sores.

In particular, it’s wise to note these 8 risk factors:

1. Elderly

In the elderly, skin is generally thinner and more vulnerable to developing sores. The reduced quality of skin and the blood vessels supplying it, can also mean they are more difficult to heal. If the elderly patient is in a nursing home, this risk factor also increases.

2. In a coma

Since a patient in a coma cannot move without help – and they are also not alert to respond to any feelings of pain and discomfort caused by pressure on their skin – they are more likely to develop bedsores. Similarly, other patients who are alert but still unable to feel pain in certain areas of their bodies, will not be aware if pressure sores are developing or feel the need to change positions in bed.

3. Poor diet

Poor diet leads to the body’s weakened state. In particular, it has been found that diets low in protein, Vitamin C and Zinc, all contribute to the patient being in a high-risk category for developing bedsores.

4. Low weight

It is common for the bedridden to lose weight. If a patient already has low fat and muscle content, their bones are closer to their skin and able to generate more friction while lying in bed. This friction results in bedsores.

5. Incontinent

A problem with incontinence means the patient has to endure periods of moisture in the lower part of their body. This moisture is something that leads to the break down of the skin – a perfect condition for a bedsore to form.

6. Certain illnesses

Patients who are diabetic or have vascular diseases which affect their circulation, will have problems with their blood-flow reaching certain areas of tissue. This tissue will then be prone to becoming easily damaged.

7. Smoking

The nicotine in a cigarette affects circulation and smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen in the body, affecting the body’s healing abilities.

8. Low mental awareness

Patients with low mental awareness are unlikely to take action against developing bedsores, such as turning themselves or informing a caregiver about areas of pain and discomfort.

If your patient or bedridden loved-one falls into any of these high-risk categories, the best course of prevention is to invest in a low air loss mattress system or alternating pressure mattress. These mattresses inhibit the development of bedsores by turning the patient’s body every few minutes, preventing areas of continuous pressure from developing and by protecting the skin against moisture and damage. If a patient is unaware of their need to change positions in bed, or just unable to, these mattresses eliminate the need for a caregiver to constantly turn their patient.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

It is never an easy thing to see a loved-one having to endure the condition of being bedridden. It might almost seem there is little one can do to ease the physical discomfort or emotional distress caused by their predicament.

If you wish to give your loved-one a gift to bring a smile back to their face, here are 4 great gifts they might truly value:

1. Your Time

It might sound clichéd but your time is probably the most valuable thing you can offer a patient who is bedridden. When confined to a bed and suffering physical or emotional pain, the concern, love and attention from someone who cares might be the most uplifting gift a bedridden person could receive. Having someone to distract a loved-one from their illness or discomfort, to listen to their thoughts or feelings, or just having someone to talk to, could have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing – this in turn could have an impact on their physical wellbeing, too.

If you don’t have the money for a special gift, give your loved-one the gift of your time. They might value it more than you know.

2. Help Them Be Themselves Again

Often one of the most soul-destroying aspects of being bedridden is the patient’s inability to enjoy the things they used to when they were independent and healthy. Find out about things your loved-one enjoys or hobbies they used to have. Then try to help them enjoy them again. For example, if your loved-one used to enjoy bike rides or hiking, bring them an outdoor or biking magazine with lots of colorful pictures inside – ask them to tell you about their memories of expeditions to help bring them alive again. Or if your loved-one misses seeing their family or friends, make a scrapbook with recent pictures and messages from them all.

With a personal touch, some thought and some effort, you might be surprised at how special a gift like this could be to your loved-one.

3. Over-The-Bed Table

This might seem like a small aid, but if your loved-one doesn’t already have an over-the-bed table, make it a priority to get them one. A table can be used for playing cards on or as a surface to place a drafts board, scrapbook, laptop, reading book or other things to amuse or entertain.

Remind your loved-one that being bedridden doesn’t mean they have to stop enjoying themselves.

4. Alternating Pressure Mattress

One of the biggest miseries of being bedridden is developing bedsores. These painful wounds can caused extreme physical discomfort as well as emotional distress. Thankfully technology has allowed the invention of alternating pressure mattresses. These mattresses prevent bedsores by helping the patient move slightly every few minutes – varying the amount of pressure being placed on different parts of the body over time. It also eliminates the need to for a patient to be physically moved by another person during the day – a task that is generally not enjoyed by the patient.

Investing in an alternating pressure mattress for your loved-one could be a gift that enhances their physical wellbeing in a very important way.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

Being bedridden is a predicament that can cause a lot of misery, both physically and emotionally. If you have the responsibility of taking care of a bedridden loved-one, you’ll want to do everything you can to make them feel as comfortable as possible, despite their circumstances.

These four essential tips will show you how to make your loved-one feel more comfortable in bed.

1. Hygiene

Ensuring the hygiene and cleanliness of your patient is an important part of your responsibility. It will also contribute to their feeling of wellbeing.

Allow your patient to bathe and clean themselves as much as possible, with your aid, on a daily basis. Alternatively, offer daily bed baths to refresh, cleanse and relax them. Make sure all parts of the body are thoroughly washed and then dried.

Brush their teeth as often as they request, wash and shampoo their hair and keep finger and toenails clean and trimmed. Apply moisturizers to dry hands and feet and help with make-up application or shaving needs if required. Use the bath and cleansing time to provide a back or foot rub to help stimulate your patient’s circulation and to also soothe and relax them.

2. Comfort while lying down

You don’t want your loved-one to feel any discomfort while lying down in bed. Ask them where they feel any areas of strain, e.g., their back or joints, and experiment with different lying positions – include the use of bed and pillow supports to find their most comfortable position. If you’re changing your patient’s position in bed, communicate as much as you can to help them co-operate and anticipate your moving them.

Sometimes a draw sheet and an extra helper may be needed to move the patient. If possible, purchase a hospital bed that allows the patient to lie and sit up in varying positions of comfort with the touch of a button.

3. Changing the bed

Aim to change your patient’s bed linens as often as possible – daily being ideal. If they become soiled, it is a priority to change linen immediately, without delay. Placing a protective draw sheet across the middle of the bed can make changing soiled sheets easier, as can using waterproof coverings (along with a cotton pad for the patient’s comfort). If the patient is still in bed when changing the sheets, make half of the bed at a time, rolling the patient to each side as the other is being made.

4. Alternating pressure mattress

Invest in a good alternating pressure mattress to prevent your loved- one from developing painful bedsores that could further affect their health and comfort. An alternating pressure mattress is a mattress that is filled with segregated air cells. These cells are alternately filled with air or partially deflated via a pump, so that no areas of continuous pressure are placed on the patient’s body. As well as preventing bedsores, these mattresses help heal existing sores and also avoids the need for the patient to be moved manually every few hours.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

Pavanmukta Asana, or the Wind Releasing Posture, is a yoga posture that is perfect for bedridden patients, whether they can do it by themselves or with the help of their caregiver.

The Posture

This posture is easy to perform, and people of every age can practice it.

While lying on the back on a firm surface, ask the bedridden patient to keep the palms down and close to the body.  Bring the heels and toes together and keep them loose.  The whole body must be straight and the patient must look up to the ceiling and breathe normally.

-Lift one knee up towards the patient’s chest.

-Pull the knee towards the chest and stomach without pulling the ankle.

-In that posture, ask the patient to relax all the muscles and continue to breathe normally.  Maintain the posture for 6 to 8 seconds.

-Release by returning the leg back to its original position.

-Repeat with the other leg, pressing against the chest and stomach.

The Benefits

The foot and calf asanas activate the inert lymph and venous blood.  These alleviate tiredness and cramps, as well as prevent venous thrombosis, especially in bedridden or post-operative patients.

This posture, specifically, activates the pancreas and other organs within the abdomen, and alleviates wind trouble and acidity.  It also loosens the hip joints and stimulates the abdominal muscle and intestines, eliminating constipation and correcting any stomach breakdown.

Pavanmukta Asana is a posture that complements the effects of a low air loss mattress in permanently bedridden patients.  Its objective is also to activate important parts and organs in the body, which are compromised due to the regular lack of movement.

Pregnant women should not practice this posture, and people who have had belly surgery, or suffer from hernia and piles, should talk to a yoga expert before performing it.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention http://www.volkner.com as the original source).

Bedridden patients, whether confined to bed for an indefinite period as they recuperate from injury or surgery, or if they are going to be bedridden for the long term, need specialized care and equipment to provide comfort and maintain good  health.  Fortunately, many of these specialized necessities are available for patients who are being cared for at home, and can be prescribed by physicians to make the job of caregivers much easier to manage.  Some of the most essential items for care are described below:

.Hospital Beds
The hospital bed is probably the most necessary of all equipment as it is where the patient spends most of their time.  Beds range from manually operated to full electric Adjustments can be made easily to help the caregiver provide the patient with the utmost comfort.  These beds are also on wheels which makes it much easier to place them in the most convenient locations.  The bed itself consists of a metal frame with head and foot boards and metal springs.  Side rails can be installed as an extra safety precaution where necessary.

.Special Mattresses
One of the biggest health risks to the bedridden patient is the development of pressure sores.  These painful ailments can be prevented by the regular use of a low air loss mattress or a pressure relief air mattress.  By gradually inflating and deflating, these special mattresses can gently turn the patient throughout the course of the day thus relieving pressure points that can develop into skin wounds.

.Over bed Tables
These tables that are fully adjustable and move easily on castors are a must have for both patient and caregiver aid.  They are invaluable for feeding, bathing and putting the items that the patient may need throughout the day within easy reach.   Some styles even offer a tilt option for the patient who likes, and is able to do various activities such as writing letters, doing puzzles or reading.

.Patient Lifts
One of the most difficult chores for the caregiver of a bedridden patient is lifting them out of bed for personal care or therapy, or transferring them to a chair for a change of scenery.  Patient lifts can make this job much less physically draining for both the caregiver and the patient.  Like hospital beds, theses lifts come in varying degrees of automation.

.Wheel Chair
Providing an opportunity to get out of bed and enjoy a change of scenery is very important to the health and well being of any patient.  A wheel chair provides a means for patients to get outside, move to a community room for socializing, or sit up to a dining table to enjoy a comfortable meal time.  The feeling of independence that a wheel chair can provide is very vital to every patient’s sense of self-esteem and dignity.

When searching for information about the equipment you need for your situation, be sure to inquire about the availability of used equipment and rentals.  Both are usually available and can really help to stretch your care giving budget.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

Caring for a bedridden patient in your home can be challenging and time consuming even with some of the best conveniences that are available such as adjustable beds that make it easier to make the patient more comfortable, and an alternating pressure mattress that works wonders to prevent bedsores. Even the most caring and compassionate person can still benefit from a little help now and then.  Your doctor or health care practitioner should be able to help you contact a home care agency in your area.  Home care agencies generally provide several different kinds of services based on the individual’s needs.  Depending on the patient, you may request one or a combination of these services.  Some of the most commonly used services are detailed here:

Personal Care
Personal care is often one of the most difficult aspects of caring for any elderly or bedridden patient. Maintaining a sense of dignity is often difficult and patients can become very demoralized and embarrassed.  Having a home care aide perform some of these tasks can make the situation take on more of a professional rather than personal nature, thus alleviating the stress on both patient and caregiver.  If the patient suffers from incontinence, needs help dressing and bathing, a home care aide for personal care can be a real life saver.

Nutritional Care
Proper nutrition is vital to the health of every patient and a dietician or nutritionist will help the caregiver design healthy menus that are personalized to the patient’s dietary needs.

Physical Therapy
Bedridden patients often require physical therapy to keep muscles and joints moving and functional.  They will also instruct caregivers in the use of special equipment that may be used to promote a patients physical health.

Nursing Care
A registered nurse can work closely with the doctor of an in home patient to ensure that his/her health status is monitored and that proper treatment stays on course.  A nurse can monitor IV treatments, give injections, dispense medications and dress wounds.  Nurses can be invaluable for the home caregiver for both their medical expertise and their emotional support.

Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist will work with individuals and access their capabilities to complete tasks.  They will then make suggestions as to how to improve those processes, and help to implement those new techniques.

Speech therapy
In cases where speech impairment exists, a speech therapist can come into the home to work on speech improvements as well as to help develop alternate methods of communication.

Homemaker service
A homemaker will help with light daily chores such as doing dishes, tidying, vacuuming, laundry or preparing meals.  Duties can be determined on an individual basis between the caregiver and the homemaker aide.

Volunteers
Volunteers from the community often work with home care agencies to provide companionship, transportation to and from appointments and help with daily activities like shopping, correspondence and getting outside.  

Pet Therapy
Somewhat new to the home care service industry, pet therapy is proving itself to be a real winner!  Many patients who have been pet owners through their lives find the visit from a furry friend to be very calming and enjoyable.
If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They¡ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.volkner.com as the original source).

If you’re taking on the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent in your home, you’ll want to know the best ways to prepare for their arrival. These nine essential rules will help you get ready for new role:

1.Get informed

.Just as you organize and take care of your own financial, health and legal files, it’s important you have access to the same information belonging to your elderly parent. If possible, try and collect information and actual records of the following (some of which you may need to help access special services and healthcare for your parent):
.Social security number
.Healthcare insurance details. Is your parent receiving Medicare? If so, do you have detailed information regarding the benefits of this service? You will need to copy the back and front of all their health insurance cards and policies.
.Details of other healthcare providers, e.g, dentist, pharmacy, optometrist.
.A list of all the medications your parent is taking, dosage amounts and instructions for taking them. Take this information with you to every medical appointment.
.Copies of past medical records, including date and results of recent medical tests e.g, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans

Do you know if your parent has made any of the following – a will, durable power of attorney for finances, durable power of attorney for healthcare, a living will? Some of these will help you take care of and make decisions for your elderly parent if their health condition deteriorates to a point where they are unable to represent themselves. If not, you might want to arrange to help your parent prepare these legal documents. When necessary, consult a lawyer specializing in elderly law. If some of these documents have already been drawn up, make sure you have access to the records and are aware of their content.

Make sure you are aware of your loved one’s financial matters. Do they have bank accounts? Do they receive regular income from social security, pension programs or through other channels? Do they own any assets, property or real estate? How much is their home worth? Do they have any other investments, stocks or IRAs? If possible, talk to your elderly parent about how they might wish you to help manage or arrange their financial matters.

2. Do your research
If your loved one has particular medical conditions, make sure you are well informed about what they are. Talk to their physicians and take the time to obtain reading matter from the library or book stores. Being informed will help you provide the best possible care for your elderly parent and will also make your task easier since you will gain valuable advice. You may even find supporting services that will help you with their care.

3.Call a family meeting
Your elderly parent might be living with you but that doesn’t always mean the full responsibility of their care should fall on your shoulders. Call a family meeting involving all those who are interested in the care of your parent. Express any desires for additional help you have and how your family members can be involved. Talk about important decisions that have to be made regarding your parent and try to get input that will be useful. Allow everyone to have a chance to express their feelings and wishes.

4. Know your community resources
Gather information about your community’s local services. They may include senior centers and adult day centers. Or you might find useful meal delivery and transportation support services, as well as home health agencies. Also, contact your local social services department to discover other services you might benefit from. There is valuable information you can access via the internet including support groups and forums for elderly caregivers. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for advice too – those who have experience in taking care of an elderly loved-one might have a wealth of information to share with you, too.

5. Look out for these symptoms
Many people believe that incontinence, signs of confusion, depression, or loss of sight, hearing or memory, are symptoms to be expected in the elderly. However, many fail to realize that these are often treatable conditions and could be side effects of prescription drugs. If you notice any of these symptoms in your elderly parent, take them to their physician. Failure to report them could lead to unnecessary functional decline in your loved one.

6. Hire a care manager
This is another resource you might find to be a great help. These professionals are trained to assess your loved-one’s particular needs and make recommendations about services which could benefit them. They will help you make the most of community resources and will also hire and manage paid caregivers on your behalf. Visit the website for the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.org) to help you locate a care manager near you.

7. Consult your elderly parent as much as possible
If your elderly parent is in a healthy state of mind, it is vital that you talk to and consult them about every aspect of their care – after all, much of your responsibility will be to make sure they are comfortable and happy with their environment, daily routine and how they are being cared for. Gain as much input from them as possible about their needs, wishes and preferences. In all aspects, involve them in decision-making as much as possible. This will help them maintain control of their affairs and will make for a better patient – caregiver relationship.

8. Take care of yourself
Despite all your good intentions, if you don’t take care good care of yourself, you may be of little emotional and practical help to your elderly parent. If you feel you are becoming over-tired and stressed because of your new responsibilities, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from other family members and friends, or even community services, who will allow you to take a break when needed. Make time for yourself – to relax and for your own interests so that you don’t feel like your entire life has been taken over by your role as a caregiver. In addition, make sure you don’t neglect your own meals and healthcare as you look after these needs for your elderly parent.
Acknowledge any feelings you have related to your parent’s need for care – sadness, frustration, anxiousness about their future. Write your feelings down in a journal or enlist a listening ear if it helps. Bottling up emotions instead of confronting them can cause additional emotional stress. Take good care of yourself and your role as a caregiver will stay manageable.

9. Purchase or hire good equipment
There are lots of tools and devices available for purchase today that can make life for your elderly loved-one (and you!) easier and more comfortable. Consider if both you and your parent might benefit from equipment such as wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps, eating or dressing aids, walkers or rollators, bathroom and toileting aids, physical therapy accessories and incontinence aids. Since the elderly are more susceptible to bed sores, consider investing in a pressure mattress or alternating pressure mattress that will help prevent these uncomfortable and serious wounds. Research the variety of elderly-aids on offer to help you give your precious loved-one the best care possible.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention http://www.volkner.com as the original source).

Coming Soon!