Residents in nursing homes, bedridden or not,
risk serious complications due to long periods of inactivity. If
residents do not use the physical skills that keep them mobile,
they will lose them. For example, a resident who can walk, but
who uses a wheelchair for ease or convenience, will gradually lose
strength in his or her legs. Eventually, the resident won't be
able to stand for more than a few seconds or walk any distance.
The risk of a fall increases. Also, as strength and mobility decrease,
the resident's dependence on others increases, which can lead to
emotional problems.
Though being still has a quiet, passive sound
to it, the complications that stem from immobility can wreak havoc
on a person's body. As a youth- and fitness-driven culture, we
tend to associate activity with weight loss, maybe cardiovascular
health, and little more. In fact, prolonged periods of inactivity
can cause complications in almost every major body system.
To combat immobility nursing homes can develop
and implement a care plan that specifically addresses immobility.
Progressive mobility and range-of-motion plans should be included.
Nursing homes should document range-of-motion exercises and progressive
mobility activities in the medical record periodically summarizing
the results, noting the resident's overall progress and whether
the resident is using assistive devices.
If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that
have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law
Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding
your loved one in a nursing home.
For more information about Nursing Home Claims,
you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com,
a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing
Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing
Home Rights.
Signs that a Loved
One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral
Problems, Changes In Physical
Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to
name a few.
