Complete Guide to Home Care for Bedridden Elderly: Professional Nursing Techniques, Essential Equipment Checklist, and Pressure Sore Prevention Plan

With the increasing trend of an aging population in Hong Kong, home care for bedridden elderly has become a crucial issue that many families must address. To achieve safe and comfortable aging in place, it is not only necessary to master professional nursing knowledge but also to equip with appropriate assistive devices and establish a comprehensive daily care routine.

Key Professional Nursing TechniquesDaily care for bedridden elderly should emphasize "prevention over cure." In terms of personal hygiene care, regular bed baths and oral cleaning are essential to keep the skin dry. When feeding, a semi-recumbent position should be adopted, with small, frequent meals to prevent choking. It is recommended to learn proper lifting techniques and position transfer methods to reduce the risk of falls for the elderly and alleviate the physical burden on caregivers.

Recommended Essential Home Care Equipment

1. Medical bed: Electric nursing beds are recommended, as they allow adjustment of the head and foot height for convenient feeding and care.

2. Anti-pressure sore air mattress: Effectively disperses body pressure and reduces the incidence of pressure sores.

3. Bedside commode: Used with leak-proof bed sheets to address toileting needs.

4. Bathing equipment: Bed bath kits make cleaning tasks easier.

5. Assistive devices: Safety equipment such as transfer boards and handrails are indispensable.

Comprehensive Guide to Pressure Sore PreventionPressure sores (also known as bedsores) are a common issue for bedridden elderly. Key prevention measures include:

• Assisting with turning every 2 hours to change pressure points.

• Daily inspection of skin conditions over bony prominences (such as the tailbone and ankles).

• Keeping the skin clean and dry, and using moisturizing products.

• Opting for a high-protein diet to enhance skin resistance.

• Using professional anti-pressure sore products, such as silicone pads and heel protectors.

Utilizing Community ResourcesSeveral social welfare organizations in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Red Cross and St. James' Settlement, offer home care training courses to teach practical nursing techniques. Eligible elderly individuals can also apply for relevant subsidies through the Social Welfare Department's Standardized Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services to alleviate financial burdens.

Emergency Situation ManagementCaregivers should learn basic first aid knowledge and constantly monitor the elderly's consciousness state and body temperature changes. It is recommended to maintain a care log to record vital signs and abnormal conditions, providing comprehensive information during medical visits.

Comprehensive home care for bedridden elderly requires a combination of patience and professional knowledge. Through proper nursing techniques, suitable equipment, and preventive measures, not only can the quality of life for the elderly be improved, but the caregiving journey can also become smoother.