Changes in Physical Condition: Immobility

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.