Geriatric Syndromes. Immobility

Immobility is a geriatric syndrome characterized by reduced tolerance to physical activity and by progressive muscle weakness and even loss of postural reflexes that prevent wandering. In stillness, we distinguish two types: relative and absolute immobility (bedridden patient).

For absolute immobility, there will be nursing care in a patient bedridden while the relative immobility, I evaluate it with different scales such as the Tinetti scale.

Having assessed the situation of patient mobility, will be an action plan with individual goals and realistic that will focus on:

• Treatment of the cause of immobility.
• Rehabilitation plan directed to the treatment of existing immobility and prevent its progression.
• Use of aids and home adaptations.
• Prevention of complications.

 

 

In this case, I will focus on home adaptations since, in my opinion, it is essential to adapt the patient's immediate environment according to their possibilities. To do this, I will give a series of general adaptations:

• Stairs: Height can be reduced by inserting intermediate steps should have handrails on both sides and if possible be used ramps while avoiding the excessive tilt.
• Doors: Attempts to have the maximum height and facilitate the opening mechanism. They are useful delayed locking mechanisms for individuals moving slowly.
• Furniture: Should you have ample space for mobilization, useful furniture placement in strategic locations and well anchored to enable support and handrails in the hallways. The chairs are hard, with proper height to facilitate the rise, high-back exceeding the height of the head and arms, preferably covered, since extreme force with hands up. The bed height is adjusted to facilitate transfers.

 

 

 

Bibliography:

• Joanne McCloskey C, Bulechey Gloria M. Nursing Interventions Classification (CIE). 2nd edition, Synthesis, Madrid; 1999.
• Batzan J, Hob M, Rodriguez, A. Geriatric assessment in primary care. Semergen; 2000.