Caring for a bedridden patient can be a challenge in itself; however, adding a feeding tube to the scenario makes proper care just that much more delicate. Bedridden patients with feeding tubes will rely on their caregiver for their every need. Understanding provide them with the most nurturing care possible, while still ensuring that safe and sanitary health care practices are being following is important to their continued survival and comfort.
Instructions
1. Follow feeding tube care instructions from a qualified health care provider. If you are caring for the patient in a home environment, it is important that you have a set of detailed, specific instructions from the patient's doctor regarding using and maintaining the feeding tube. These tubes are generally low-maintenance. The most important aspect of care to keep the site where the tube enters the body as clean and dry as possible. Caregivers should always wash their hands before handling the tube. When cleaning the area, use a soft cloth, warm water and a very mild cleanser. Feeding bags should be cleaned after each meal and changed every two weeks. After each feeding of the day, rinse the feeding bags with vinegar to stave off any bacteria growth.
2. Set a strict schedule of cleansing, feeding and moving. Bedridden patients often respond best to routine, so they know what to expect, lessening anxiety. Moreover, this assures that essential tasks are being completed each day in a timely fashion.
3. Make the patient comfortable. Arms and legs should be in a comfortable position, and proper support should be provided for the neck, back and other joints to prevent soreness and strain. Allow the patient to shift and move for comfort, if he is able. When you are helping him move, allow him to lead, with you acting simply as a guide for each movement. This type of independence is important to the mental well-being of the patient.
4. Assist the patient with daily exercise. Bedridden patients are subject to bed sores, strain, pressure sores and blood clots. Blood clots form as blood pools in the inactive veins of the limbs; they are dangerous because they can then dislodge and travel to the heart, lungs or brain, which can be fatal. Assist the patient in moving her limbs several times a day to encourage good circulation and stave off some of these problems. Moreover, daily exercise will help the patient to regain strength and stay physically healthy.
5. Encourage mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to ward off depression, anxiety, anger and other unhealthy emotions. Bedridden patients with feeding tubes can still work on a laptop computer, read books, do puzzles, solve brain benders and more. The more mentally active you can keep them, the more encouraged they will be to continue to get better.
6. Maintain a sanitary environment. Cleanliness is the most important part of caring for a bedridden patient, particularly one with a feeding tube. The linens on the bed should be changed every day. Anyone entering the room should be required to use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. Keep all equipment and medical supplies washed, dry and sanitized. When possible, open the windows for fresh air. Place a waterproof cover on the mattress.
Tags: Bedridden patients, feeding tube, Assist patient, Bedridden patients with, changed every, daily exercise, feeding tubes