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Can A Bedridden Person Be Left Alone? Is It Against The Law?

Esther C. Kane, C.D.S.
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It is never advisable to leave an older adult who is bedridden alone for any length of time. This is because they are at a high risk of developing bedsores, falling out of bed, or suffering from other complications.

In addition to the safety risks, the primary caregiver can also be charged with abuse and neglect which can lead to criminal penalties.

If you are the primary caregiver for a bedridden person and cannot be with them at all times, it is important to have a plan in place.

This may include hiring someone, contacting social services or asking a close friend and/or family to come in and stay with them while you are away.

It is also important to make sure that the person is comfortable and has everything they need within reach, as this will help to minimize the risk of them falling or getting injured.

Whether you are caring for your senior loved one for the first time or have been doing so for a while, we hope that the information in this article helps you to care for them and to care for yourself too.

Caring for an elderly loved one who is unable to get out of bed on their own does not require good luck, it requires careful planning.

What You'll Find In This Article

What Does It Mean To Be Bedridden?

Bedridden refers to someone who is unable to leave their bed due to illness, injury or disability. This means that they are completely dependent on others for their care.

Being bedridden can be a temporary or permanent condition. It can be caused by a number of different health conditions, including:

  • A serious illness
  • An injury
  • A disability
  • Surgery

Bedridden patient care is a form of 360 care administered to an individual who is unable to stand, walk, or sometimes even sit. This type of care is usually done in the home by a family member or health care professional, or an assisted living facility by a team of Doctors and elderly care specialists.

sandysideseniorliving.com

Whether your senior loved one is bedridden in their own home or a care facility, they will require the help and assistance of others.

What Are The Risks Of Leaving An Elderly Bedridden Patient Alone?

When older people are bedridden, it is important to consider the risks of leaving them alone. The primary risks are falling out of bed, pressure ulcers, constipation and respiratory problems.

Falling Out Of Bed

Falls are a common occurrence in the elderly population and can lead to serious injuries. Bedridden patients are particularly vulnerable to falls because they are unable to move to prevent themselves from falling out of bed.

A hospital bed or a bed with rails may help to prevent or minimize these types of falls.

Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, are another common complication in the elderly population. These sores can develop when a person is unable to move and is left in one position for too long. Pressure ulcers can be very painful and can lead to serious infections.

Someone who is bedridden should be turned every 2 hours to help avoid pressure ulcers.

Here is a link to some wonderful products to help prevent bed sores.

Constipation

Constipation is another common problem in an older person, particularly those who are bedridden.

This can happen because a person is not able to have proper bowel movements when they are lying down. Constipation can be very painful and can lead to serious health problems.

It is important to make sure that a bedridden person is getting enough fluids and fiber to help avoid constipation.

Respiratory Problems

The most common type of respiratory problem that bed bound patients develop is pneumonia. This is a serious lung infection that can be fatal. Especially in older adults.

Since they are bedridden, the elderly might be vulnerable to liquid accumulation in the lungs and chest congestion. If not monitored, such conditions can lead to pneumonia or viral infections.

healthshots.com

Is It Against The Law To Leave An Elder Bedridden Alone?

A primary caregiver can be charged with elderly abuse / neglect if they intentionally leave an older, bedridden person alone for a length of time.

The details and punishment of this act will differ from municipality to municipality but make no mistake that it can be considered a crime.

Elder abandonment is a form of elder abuse. It occurs when a person has assumed responsibility for providing care to an elderly individual — but then deserts that individual. There are variations in how states define elder abandonment, but the general principles are the same.

findlaw.com

Depending on the municipality, the punishment for this crime can range from a slap on the wrist to a felony charge.

If you find yourself in a position where you may have no choice but to leave someone who is bedridden alone for any length of time, we recommend that you contact an elder law attorney in your area first.

Also, we recommend that if you absolutely have to leave someone in this condition alone for an length of time that you ask someone to come and sit with them while you are away (respite care).

And of course, it is always wise to have some type of emergency call button nearby the patient. This could be a cell phone, a medical alert device, an Alexa device, etc. Of course, this will only work if the patient is able to manage the device.

A senior person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will not (especially in the late stages) be able to manage any type of alert device.

What Does Being Bedridden Do To Your Body?

When you are bedridden, your body undergoes some changes.

  • Depending on your health, it may just take 2 to 4 days of being in bed for blood to start pooling in your legs. This could lead to thrombosis.
  • When you stand up, you can feel dizzy and possibly fall.
  • Immobility also causes your heart to beat more quickly, and the volume of blood pumped is lower.
  • The volume of blood generally in your body is also lower, and there is less oxygen uptake by your body.

Being bedridden can have some serious consequences for your health. It is important to make sure that you are not left alone if you are bedridden.

If you need help with activities of daily living, make sure to ask for help from a friend, family member, or caregiver.

If you are in the hospital, make sure to let the medical professionals who are caring for you know that you are at risk for falls and other complications.

Taking these precautions can help you stay safe and healthy while you are bedridden.

Is It Safe To Leave A Bedridden Person Alone?

There are many factors to consider when deciding if it is safe to leave a bedridden person alone. The most important factor is the level of care that the individual needs.

The type of care that a bedridden person needs will vary depending on their individual condition.

If the person is able to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently, then it may be safe to leave them alone for very short periods of time.

However, if the person is not able to perform ADLs independently, then we recommend that they not be left alone for any length of time.

Each case is different and the best recommendation I can give you is to live your life in a reasonable way with extra precautions for your senior loved one who is bedridden.

Other factors that need to be considered when deciding if it is safe to leave a bedridden person alone include:

  • The person’s overall health status
  • The person’s cognitive status
  • The person’s ability to communicate
  • The person’s level of mobility
  • The person’s access to medical care

If you are unsure if it is safe to leave a bedridden person alone, it is best to err on the side of caution and not do so. If possible, have someone else stay with the individual or arrange for professional in-home care.

Your elderly parent may argue with you that they do not need someone to stay with them and that they are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, but it is important to remember that their health may have declined to the point where they are no longer able to do so.

Have a talk with your parent about getting some help. They may not like the idea much, as some people are reluctant to have outside help. If you need help persuading them, try asking someone who’s been in a similar situation to help. It might also be hard for your parent to hear this from you. You might consider asking someone who has a different relationship with your parent to talk with them instead, such as a close friend, a cousin, or a spiritual leader.

Wikihow.com

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to leave a bedridden person alone should be made on a case-by-case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

You may, at some point want to consider a live-in caregiver to help you. It’s an option.

What Are The Signs That An Elderly Bedridden Patient Needs Assistance?

There are several signs that an elderly bedridden patient needs assistance. They may include:

  • Soiling themselves or their bedding with urine or feces.
  • Becoming dehydrated or not drinking enough fluids.
  • Experiencing skin breakdown due to sitting or lying in one position for too long.
  • Losing weight due to not being able to eat or drink properly.
  • Showing a decline of mental health such as signs of depression or withdrawing from social interactions.

If you notice any of these signs in your elderly loved one, it is important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

What Happens When An Elderly Person Is Bedridden?

When an elderly person is bedridden, it can be a very difficult and scary time for both the individual and their family. Bedridden elders are at an increased risk for many different health complications, including pressure sores, pneumonia, and even death.

It is important to make sure that bedridden elders are receiving the best possible care to prevent these complications from occurring.

Tips On Keeping Someone Who Is Bedridden As Safe and Healthy As Possible

If you have an elderly loved one who is bedridden, there are some important things to keep in mind in order to ensure their safety and well-being.

  • Make sure that the individual is turned every two hours to prevent pressure sores from developing.
  • They should be bathed regularly and their hair should be washed to prevent skin infections.
  • They should be given range of motion exercises to maintain their muscle strength.
  • The best way to take care of a bedridden person is to keep them clean, dry, and comfortable.
  • Bed linens and pillow cases should be changed regularly.
  • They should have easy access to bedpans and urine bottles if they can use them.
  • If they are using adult diapers, these should be changed every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Engage them in conversation, games, crafts, activities, etc. Simple things like adult coloring books can be entertaining and help to improve mental health and quality of life.
  • Finally, it is important to make sure that they are receiving adequate nutrition and hydration.

These tips can go a long way in helping you, the caregiver and your senior loved one to be as healthy and happy as possible.

If you are unable to care for your bedridden loved one yourself, it is important to make sure that they are receiving the care that they need from a qualified individual.

Putting their safety and well-being in someone else’s hands can be scary, but it is important to do what is best for them.

When choosing a caregiver, it is important to make sure that they are properly trained and have experience caring for bedridden individuals. You should also make sure that they are someone you can trust and who will treat your loved one with respect.

A hospice service can be a great resource for caregivers of bedridden patients. Hospice services can provide respite care, which can give caregivers a much-needed break.

Hospice services can also offer emotional support to both the caregiver and the patient.

It is also important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Make sure that the caregiver knows what to do if your loved one needs to be taken to the hospital or if they start to experience any problems.

Caring for a bedridden person can be challenging, but it is important to make sure that they are safe and comfortable.

With the right caregiver and a good plan in place, you can rest assured knowing that your loved one is in good hands.

How Can I Ensure My Elderly Bedridden Parent Is Comfortable While I’m Away?

It can be difficult to leave an elderly parent who is bedridden alone, even for a short period of time. However, there are some things you can do to help ensure their comfort and safety.

  • Make sure that their bed is comfortable and that they have all the pillows and blankets they need to stay warm. If possible, adjust the bed so that they can sit up slightly and have something to lean against if they get tired.
  • Ensure that they have a full bladder and that their bowels have been emptied before you leave. This will help to prevent any discomfort or accidents while you’re away.
  • Leave them with a phone or other means of communication in case they need to reach you.
  • Check in on them regularly to make sure they’re doing okay. You can do this with a monitoring camera or an Echo Show device. Or, of course, have someone do this for you.

We strongly recommend that you never leave an elderly person who is bedridden alone but if you must for just a few minutes, these tips listed above should be helpful.

Who Can Help Me Care For My Bedridden Loved One?

When your loved one is bedridden, it can be difficult to know how to best care for them. You may feel like you are the only one who can do it, but there are actually many people who can help you care for your bedridden loved one.

First and foremost, you should always consult with your loved one’s doctor to get their professional opinion on who should be helping to care for your loved one.

The doctor will be able to give you specific instructions on what needs to be done and who is best suited to do it.

If you have other family members or friends who are willing and able to help, they can be a great resource. You can delegate tasks to them so that you are not shouldering the entire burden yourself.

There are also professional caregivers who can be hired to come in and help with the care of your loved one. This may be something to consider if you feel like you cannot do it all yourself.

Consider contacting a geriatric care manager or social worker to help you find a suitable person or company.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you communicate openly with everyone who is involved in the care of your loved one. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your loved one is getting the best possible care.

What Resources Are Available To Help Me Care For My Bedridden Loved One?

If you are caring for a bedridden loved one, there are a number of resources available to help you.

The National Caregivers Library offers a variety of articles on caregiving, including tips on providing care to bedridden patients.

The Family Caregiver Alliance also provides caregiver resources and support, including an online forum where caregivers can connect with one another.

There are also a number of organizations that provide financial assistance to caregivers.

The National Family Caregivers Association offers a variety of grants and scholarships for caregivers, while the AARP Foundation provides grants to low-income caregivers.

If you are caring for a bedridden loved one, there are a number of resources available to help you. With a little research, you can find the support and assistance you need to care for your loved one.

What Should I Do If I Find My Elderly Bedridden Parent Has Been Left Alone?

If you find that your elderly bedridden parent has been left alone, it is important to take immediate action.

  • First, check to make sure that your parent is okay. If they seem disoriented to their condition seems altered in any way, contact 911 for medical care immediately.
  • It is also important to try to make your parent as comfortable as possible, and to ensure that they have access to food, water, and medication.
  • If your parent is able to move, you should help them to do so, and if they are in pain, you should give them pain relief medication.
  • Next, you should try to contact the person who was supposed to be caring for your parent. If this is not possible, or if you feel that your parent is in danger, you should contact the police or emergency services.
  • Finally, you should stay with your parent until help arrives.

We hope that this situation never happens to you but in case it does, follow these tips to get the right help and assistance you need.

What Happens When Someone Is Reported For Elder Abuse?

When someone is reported for elder abuse, the first step is to contact Adult Protective Services (APS) in your local area. APS will investigate the allegations and, if they find evidence of abuse, will provide services to the victim and develop a safety plan.

If the victim is in immediate danger, APS may also contact law enforcement.

Adult Protective Services Contact Information

Elder abuse is a serious problem, and it is important to get help if you or someone you know is being abused. If you suspect elder abuse, don’t hesitate to contact APS or law enforcement.

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of physical abuse, it is important to seek help from a doctor or other medical professional immediately.

How Long Can Someone Live When They Are Bedridden?

The average person can live for about four to six weeks without food. The body can survive for longer periods without water, but this depends on a number of factors including the weather, a person’s physical condition, and how much they have been sweating.

The longest recorded case of someone surviving without food is 18 days, and the longest recorded case of someone surviving without water is 18 days.

These cases are rare and usually involve people who are very young or have a medical condition that makes them more resistant to starvation or dehydration.

If your senior loved one is bedridden due to a terminal illness, I highly recommend hospice services or some type of palliative care service in your area.

…in the real world, one-third of elderly individuals are candidates for end-of-life care.  End-of-life care is a form of trauma care for the elderly that ensures quality of death for those in need.

National Library of Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check on a bedridden person?

As a general rule, it is best to check on a bedridden person every two hours. However, this may vary depending on the individual’s needs.

What are some ways I can help make a bedridden person comfortable?

If you are caring for a bedridden person, there are some things you can do to help make them more comfortable. First, make sure the bed is at a comfortable height. This will help prevent bedsores and make it easier for the person to move around. Second, provide plenty of pillows and blankets to support the person’s body. Third, keep the person’s skin clean and dry to prevent infection. Finally, make sure the room is well-ventilated to prevent the person from feeling too hot or too cold.

What are some common health concerns for bedridden elderly?

Some common health concerns for bedridden elderly include pressure sores, respiratory problems, and constipation.

How can I prevent pressure sores when my loved one is bedridden?

To prevent pressure sores, it is important to keep the person’s skin clean and dry. You should also regularly move them to different positions to avoid putting too much pressure on one area of the body.

Conclusion

Old age can be a difficult time for many people. They may be bedridden and require around-the-clock care.

This can be a daunting task for caregivers, but it is important to remember that the person relies on you for their care. It is also crucial that caregivers take care of themselves as well.

There will be a lot of stress on your mental and physical health during this time. Do not be hesitant to reach out for help when needed.

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About the Author: Esther C. Kane, C.D.S.

Esther C. Kane, C.D.S. is a certified Senior Home Safety Specialist and a CARES® Dementia Specialist (C.D.S.). She also graduated from Florida International University with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She practiced OT in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina for 10 years. She specialized in rehabilitation for the adult population. Her expertise in home assessments and home safety issues for seniors will help you to make the best possible decisions for your elderly parent or senior that you are caring for.
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