3.7. Moving and Position Changing

 
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Changing the position and assistance of elderly people with a limited physical activity are important for their well-being and quality of life.

 

Basic mobility care should include:

   Reposition the body in bed as needed, but at least every two hours
 
   Moving the bed – the wheelchair – the armchair at least 4 times a day
 
   Assisting in walking, transporting in a wheelchair, at least 4 times a day
 
   Assistance in walking or transporting to the toilet, bathroom, dining room, etc.
 
   Assistance with the use of assistive equipment
 
 
When changing the body position of an elderly person, pay attention to his and your own safety. You always have to assess your own fitness and physical abilities. It is worth getting acquainted with the available sliding devices, sleepers, lifts and carts that facilitate the movement of an elderly person.
 

Examples of equipment enabling and supporting the movement of an elderly person

   Guns, crutches
 
   Balloons, walkers
 
   Wheelchair
 
   Armchairs
 
   Sanitary chairs
 
   Height adjustable beds
 
   Bedside ladders
 
   Lift
 
 

The elderly person’s room

It is worth paying attention to the room where the elderly person stays during the day and at night. The best solution is if the elderly person has their own room at their disposal, ensuring their privacy and intimacy. If this is not possible, the older person should be allocated a space in another room.

An elderly person’s room should be best suited to their needs and preferences, but also to care activities. An important thing – especially in the case of an elderly person lying down – is the arrangement of the bed. It should not rest against the wall with one side, but should be positioned so that a person is accessible from both sides. There should be a rug next to the bed, well secured so that it does not slip on the floor.

There should be a cupboard next to the bed, on which there will be things of an elderly person that they use and other personal things, such as relatives photos, small souvenirs.

The room should be aired and cleaned frequently. Windows should be equipped with curtains or blinds so that, if necessary, the room can be darkened so that the daylight does not offend the elderly.
 
 
 
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