Making Bed-Bound Patients More Comfortable

For hospice patients spending a significant amount of time in bed due to their illness, maximizing comfort and preventing bedsores take top priority. Even simple adjustments in bedding, positioning, and assistive products can make a tremendous difference in alleviating pain and increasing physical and emotional well-being. As a caregiver, you have the power to transform their bed into a soothing, pressure-relieving oasis.

Here are a few useful strategies for optimizing bed comfort and enhancing the quality of life for your loved one in hospice care:

Invest in a Quality Mattress

An adequately supportive mattress is foundational for comfort and reducing pressure sores. Look for mattresses specifically designed to prevent and relieve bedsores by redistributing weight and pressure more evenly. Memory foam and air-filled mattresses tend to be ideal options that contour to the body while minimizing friction and shearing forces. Avoid overly firm innerspring mattresses.

Use Breathable Bedding

Hospice patients are susceptible to excessive heat buildup, perspiration, and skin irritation from moisture when lying in bed for extended periods. Choose cooling, breathable sheets made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo rather than polyester blends that trap heat and moisture. Linen and silk sheets are other lightweight, moisture-wicking options.

Add a Supportive Mattress Pad

For an extra layer of comfort and protection, explore mattress toppers. Those filled with memory foam, gel foam, or multiplayer pressure-relief technology allow the mattress to further contour to the body. Some are infused with cooling materials to regulate temperature as well. Wedge-shaped toppers can provide gentle elevation too.

Use Body Pillows for Positioning

Using positioning pillows is extremely helpful for hospice patients struggling to get comfortable and alleviate pressure points. Body pillows allow them to lean into their side, with pillows supporting the back and between the knees to take weight off bony areas. Foam wedges or cylindrical rolls can also optimize positioning.

Reposition Often

To prevent painful bedsores from prolonged pressure in one area, hospice patients should be repositioned or assisted in shifting their position frequently – around every two hours. Try alternating between lying on their back with the head of the bed raised, to lying on each side with supportive pillows for pressure relief.

Consider Getting A Hospital Bed or an Adjustable Bed

Hospital and adjustable beds are designed to enable you to easily raise or lower the head and/or foot of the bed to a variety of positions. This can make it more comfortable for a patient to read, watch TV, or visit with family members. Changing the position of the bed can also help prevent bed sores, as it helps put pressure on different parts of the body with each adjustment. Adjust the incline and use pillows for support to maximize comfort.

Keep Skin Protected

Friction against sheets coupled with excess moisture can lead to serious skin breakdown in hospice patients. Place soft pads or protective sheeting in areas where skin meets the mattress before positioning to minimize shearing forces. Use fragrance-free moisturizing creams or barriers to prevent dry skin that can cause cracking and increase the risk of sores.

Dress in Soft, Loose Clothing

For full-time bed rest, dress your loved one in soft, loose, well-ventilated clothing that avoids irritation, overheating, or binding anywhere. Choosing breathable garments like cotton gowns, robes or jersey knits removes any constriction and allows for easy changing. Have multiple sets on hand to swap out if they become soiled.

Create a Soothing Environment

Beyond physical positioning, hospice patients' total bed experience plays a huge role in their sense of comfort and well-being. Use calming aromatherapy like lavender to promote relaxation. Adjust room lighting to their preference, whether dimly lit or allowing in natural sunlight. Play their favorite tranquil music, read to them, or simply make your quiet presence known nearby with hand-holding.

Adjust as Needed

As your loved one's hospice journey progresses, their needs and ideal positioning may evolve, so continuously reevaluate and tweak their setup based on changing symptoms or conditions. Don't underestimate the positive impact created by small adjustments to the bed and surrounding area for maximum comfort.

Working closely with the hospice nurse caring for your loved one, you can create a personalized oasis in their bed space. By investing in the right supportive products, using smart positioning techniques, and tending to their overall environment, you'll ease discomfort while providing soothing comfort in their final days.