How do you assist a resident who is bedridden with exercising?

Assisting a bedridden resident with exercise is crucial for maintaining their mobility and preventing complications related to immobility. Performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises is a key method for helping individuals who are unable to move independently. Passive ROM exercises involve the caregiver moving the resident's limbs through their normal range of motion without requiring any effort from the resident themselves.

This approach is beneficial because it helps maintain joint flexibility, circulates blood, and can reduce the risk of contractures or stiffness that can develop from inactivity. When carried out regularly, passive exercises can significantly contribute to the overall physical health and comfort of a bedridden resident.

Encouraging a resident to perform exercises alone is not appropriate in this context, as it does not provide the necessary support for those who lack the ability to exercise independently. Additionally, while consent is important when providing any care, passive range-of-motion exercises are typically a standard part of care for bedridden individuals, and thus are performed regularly by care providers, often as part of a care plan. Advising residents on exercises they can do while sitting may be relevant for those who are able to move and are not fully bedridden, but it does not apply to residents who are entirely bedridden.