Quality Home Care For Bedridden Elderly

Home care can encompass many different services. Such services range from helping with cleaning, cooking, and shopping, to caring for patients with feeding tubes, oxygen machines, and catheters. Bedridden elderly, whether they are in that state temporarily or for the long term, can really benefit from the kind of help a home caregiver can provide.

"Aging in place" is becoming a popular alternative to elderly people having to relocate to a nursing homes, especially if they are confined to their beds. Home care providers can help the patient manage their needs in their own setting, where they are familiar with their surroundings and comfortable in their home environments. Many families are looking to home care to ensure elderly loved ones are well cared for during those times when they are particularly fragile.

Being bedridden is hard enough without having to spend all that time in a hospital. Having an opportunity to heal at home, in contrast, is much more comfortable and pleasant for most bedridden patients. By finding a trusted professional to provide at-home elderly care, families can rest assured that their bedridden loved ones will receive the personal care and attention they regularly need. Any equipment that is needed outside of what is already in the home - a special bed, a portable commode, oxygen machines, etc. 

Here are some basic guidelines that home care providers should be following when it comes to caring for those who are confined to their beds. The caregiver should

•  Feed the patient a balanced diet, paying attention to doctor's orders for any dietary restrictions
•  Make sure the patient has plenty of fluids throughout the day and healthy snacks when they are hungry, unless otherwise instructed by the doctor
•  Make the patient feel comfortable, safe, and clean at all times.
  Eliminate boredom with reading materials, TV, radio, puzzles, card games, visitors and good conversation
•  Provide good support for the patient's back and something to brace and/or elevate their feet
• Move the patient regularly if they are unable to do so on their own. This is very important for preventing bed sores in bedridden patients. 
• Change the bed sheets every few days and whenever they are soiled

Be sure to research the costs and range of services made available by elderly care agencies in your area. Always make sure that the home care providers and the agency you hire has workers' compensation coverage. If not, check to see that your homeowner's insurance is adequate.

While nursing facilities are typically less costly than home-based elderly care for bedridden patients needing a round-the-clock provider, preserving the quality of life of the patient and peace and mind of the family may be well worth the added cost. Families can always make other arrangements if more complex care is needed.