Immobilization can cause numerous issues in your elderly loved one’s life. Not only can they not move around without help, but they may develop worsened health and other issues because of the immobilization. If you are a family caregiver to an elderly loved one who is immobilized, there are some things that you should watch out for.
Bed Sores
Senior Care Brookhaven NY – Is Your Elderly Loved One Immobilized? Watch for These Issues.
One of the things that you should watch out for if your elderly loved one is immobilized is bed sores. These are very common in those who can’t move around much. If your elderly loved one lays in bed for a long time without moving, they could develop bed sores. These are parts of the skin that have become damaged or broken because of the pressure on that area. Usually, bed sores are found in the shoulder blade, buttock, back of the head, and heel regions. However, they can occur in other areas of the body, too. If your elderly loved one has bed sores, they can lead to serious infections. If you or the senior care provider find bed sores on your loved one, be sure they are treated right away.
Nausea and Indigestion
If your elderly loved one is immobilized, they might experience nausea and indigestion, as well. These symptoms are so common with immobilization because the body isn’t moving enough. When the body is in one place for a long time, the person’s metabolism is slower. This also means there aren’t enough nutrients getting to all the areas of the body. In addition, the body isn’t able to digest the food your elderly loved one is eating as well as it used to. This can cause your elderly loved one to feel sick.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is another one of the common things that happens if someone is immobilized. When someone stays in the same place for a long time, fluid can start building up in their lungs. This can lead to infections which ultimately can cause your elderly loved one to get pneumonia. If your elderly loved one is wheezing, coughing, or has labored breathing, be sure they get medical attention right away.
If someone is immobilized, there are a range of health issues that could occur. If these health issues are not dealt with properly, they could lead to serious complications. If your elderly loved one is immobilized, it is important to move them often. If you or the senior care providers notice any of these things going on, be sure to handle them immediately.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19151453/