| Before getting out of bed, a person must be able to sit up without
feeling dizzy. The person should also be strong enough to transfer
from the bed to a chair.
Procedure for teaching the person to sit up:
- Explain the steps first.
- Have the person roll to one side facing the edge of the bed.
- Gradually drop legs over the side of the bed while pressing
down on the bed with the elbow nearest its edge.
- Change weight to the hand and push down to bring shoulders to
an upright position. At the same time, push down with the other
hand for leverage.
Procedure for helping the person to sit up:
- Explain what will be done.
- Help the person flex his knees.
- Stand facing the head of the bed with the outer foot forward.
- Lock arms with the peron by putting the near arm under the person's
near arm with the hand on his shoulder.
- Rock backwards pulling the person to a sitting position.
- Check to see if the person is dizzy. If so, continue to support
him.
- Some dizziness may be expected. If dizziness persists beyond
a few minutes, return the person to a flat position in bed.
- Show the person how to support himself with his arms braced
behind him. A footstool may be needed if the bed is too high for
the person's feet to reach the floor while sitting on the side.
A footstool can be made by taping large juice cans together. Pad
with cotton or soft material, such as nylon hose. Tape cardboard
to the sides and top of the cans. Cover the stool using a towel
or plastic adhesive cloth. Attach non-skid strips to the bottom
to keep the stool from slipping.
An improvised bathrobe can be made from a blanket by making a fold
of approximately 6-8 inches along the length of the blanket to serve
as a collar. Pull the ends of the blanket toward the person's shoulders
and fasten the ends together in front with a safety pin. Center
an end of the blanket over each wrist, turning back several inches
to make cuffs.
Procedure for transferring a person from the bed to a chair:
- Explain what will be done.
- Assist the person to put on shoes or slippers.
- Use a sturdy chair with arms and a seat low enough to allow
the person's feet to solidly touch the floor. If using a wheelchair,
make sure it is sturdy and in good condition.
- Place the chair parallel to the bed on the person's strongest
side. If using a wheelchair, lock brakes and push footrests out
of the way.
- Stand in front of the person to assist him if he should fall.
- Instruct him to lean forward slightly, push down on the bed
with his hands, straighten his legs and then stand up.
- Have him grab the armrests and lower himself into the chair,
leaning slightly forward as he sits down.
- Have him slide his hips back into the chair and sit squarely.
- Reverse the process for getting out of the chair.
Helping a Person to Walk
Walking may need to be relearned. After the person is able to sit
up, get out of bed, move in and out of a chair, he may feel strong
enough to walk. Before walking is attempted, the person should have
regained most of his strength. The informal caregiver's assessment
of the person is essential to determining when increased activity
should be tried. The person who is walking after being in bed needs
to be watched carefully.
Procedure and caution to be used with an ill and weak person:
- Explain to the person what is to be done.
- Have the person wear low-heeled shoes with non-slippery soles.
- Have the person practice shifting weight, using support to help
maintain balance.
- Have him practice shifting weight, using firm supports on either
side. Two chairs may be used.
- Walk with the person as he begins to walk. If there is no disability,
have him wear a securely fastened belt to provide something for
you to grip. This helps provide stability and if he becomes faint,
he can be pulled against you for support.
- If there is one-sided weakness, walk on the weak side and slightly
behind the person. Put the far hand on the stronger hip and the
other hand in front of the person's shoulder on the weak side.
His shoulder can be pulled back and his hips forward to help his
alignment. Or he can be pulled back against you if he becomes
faint and cannot be held.
- Help the person follow his normal walking gait. A cane or walker
may assist the person. The person will feel he has much more control
over what is happening to him. He usually will feel he has made
good progress toward improving his state of health. The caregiver
will notice that, with ambulation, the elimination of bodily wastes
improves and appetite returns.
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