Immobility is a common pathway by which a host of diseases and problems
in the elderly produce further disability. Persons who are chronically ill, aged,
or disabled are more susceptible to the adverse effects of prolonged bed rest,
immobilization, and inactivity.
The effects of immobility aren’t confined to only one body system.
It could be pshyical: Muscle wasting, Contractures, Muscle
pain, Osteoporosis, Pressure sores, Hypothermia, Aspiration pneumonia,
Constipation, Incontinence, Deep vein thrombosis and Anorexia ect.
Or
Psychological and Social : Isolation, loss of independence, Sensory
deprivation, depression, delirium and dementia
It may later cause a lot of complications.
Immobility in the elderly often cannot be prevented, but many of its
adverse effects can be.
Improvements in mobility are
possible for the immobile older adults: A
small improvement in mobility can decrease the incidence and severity of
complications.
Would be
usefull to develop and implement a care
plan that specifically addresses immobility.
* nursing
should also document range-of-motion exercises and progressive mobility
activities in the medical record. They should periodically summarize the
results, noting the resident's overall progress and whether the old person is
using assistive devices.
* Nursing
staff should teach residents little ways to get exercise even while bedridden.
* Staff at
the nursing home should avoid putting a resident on bedrest: the elderly should be on bedrest for only the shortest
amount of time possible.
* If a old
person is not progressing as expected, the nursing home staff should find out
why
* It's necessary Advice about a well-balanced diet rich in proteins and
minerals.
Another
cares could be: postural changes, massage, good hygene…
