IMMOBILITY
The immobility can be defined as the decreased of the ability to perform activities of daily living by
deterioration of motor functions.
It is a geriatric problem characterized by a reduction
in exercise tolerance, progressive muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, loss
of automatisms and postural reflexes which prevent wandering.
- A relative immobility, in which the old man leads a sedentary life but is able to move with more or less independence
- A total immobility involving chronic bed rest, being very limited postural variability.
CAUSES OF THE INMMOBILITY
Physiological:
- Decrease of mass and strength muscular, senile march
- Decrease of sensibility and reflex
- Decrease of cardiac frequency, aerobic capacity
- Decrease of elasticity of thoracic wall
Usual diseases:
- Osteoarthritis, arthritis, fractures…
- Brain damage, Parkinson, dementias…
- Cardiac insuffiency
- Visual deficits
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus
Environmental causes:
- Obstacles
Social factors:
- Loneliness
Rehabilitative potential and the monitoring result can
be performed by the Barthel index.
GENERAL CARE OF DISABLED PATIENTS
Prevention of skin problems:
- Postural changes
- Hygiene
- Massages
- Padded
- Supply of liquids and foods
AUXILIARY ELEMENTS FOR MOBILIZATION- Walking stick
- Crutches
- Walker
HOME ADAPTATIONS
- Stairs: reduce height
- Doors, to open easily
- Furniture: space
- Adjust the height of the bed
The best preventive measure is to keep the degree of
mobility.
The elder who wears a type of autonomous and active
life with regular performance of exercise has statistically decreased risk of
mortality.
Scientific evidence increasingly indicates that
regular physical activity can extend years of active independent life, reduce disability,
and improve the quality of life for older persons.
In my opinion we must promotion the activity in the
elderly to maintain the independence. We must explain to de elder the importance
of realise exercise.
Nurses should educate older person about the importance
of exercise and emphasize the benefits such as weight loss, prevent obesity, prevent
or reduce depression, retain mobility, maintain or improve musculoskeletal
function, improve appetite, encourage sleep…
We must motivate to the patients and show them different
ways to do exercise.
- Gloria
Hoffmann Wold. Basic Geriatric Nursing. 5th ed.
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