Physical Complaints | Management Strategies
- If mobile, try and have the person you care for involved in some form of exercise no matter how low impact. This will help to improve their range of motion, strengthen their muscles, increase their appetite and improve their sleeping. Good activities to do include walking or dancing for those who are relatively mobile or walking from the bed to the bathroom for those who are less mobile.
- If the person you care for is at risk for pressure sores Pressure sores
Areas of injured tissue and skin. It is caused by lying or sitting in one position for too long. As a result there is a lot of pressure on this part of the body, and blood flow to this area is decreased. Common areas for pressure sores include elbows, heels, and back of the head. due to immobility, it is important to reposition them every two hours and almost every hour for the very frail.
- Make sure that the person you care for is receiving a full complement of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their diet. This will help with weight loss and healing time. If they have difficulty swallowing or chewing, find ways to incorporate these essential vitamins into a liquefied diet.
- Consider getting a walking aid Walking aid
A device that assists a person in being mobile. It can provide the balance necessary to make them comfortable enough to walk, like a cane, or it can be a wheelchair to assist them in moving when walking is not possible. or wheelchair for the person you care for if they have problems getting around on their own. This will get them up and moving, and will avoid the pressure sores and constipation Constipation
Abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces. that result from immobility. Having a walking aid will also provide additional security and comfort to those who are hesitant to walk on their own.
- If incontinence Incontinence
Loss of bladder or bowel control. is a complaint for the person you care for, try establishing a regular schedule for the bathroom and ensure that the bathrooms are well marked. If they cannot get to the bathroom in time, have them use adult diapers or incontinence pads.
- When constipation is a concern, it may help to increase the fiber and water intake of the person you care for. If this still is not helping, talk to your doctor about the possibility of laxatives.
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