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Activities for Bed-Bound Elderly to Improve Quality of Life
When a senior becomes bed-bound, the challenges can be unbelievably massive on their physical health, but also on their mental and emotional well-being.
Truth be told, it’s really tough to find the right activities for bedbound elderly loved ones.
But you’ve gotta find ways to keep them engaged because it’s the only way to maintain health, meaning, joy and happiness in their lives.
Studies show that elderly people who maintain some form of mental and physical activity experience significantly better health outcomes compared to those who remain sedentary.
With physical activity, we support their ability to retain muscle strength, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
This article presents the activities we’ve found to be the most effective for bedbound seniors.
Table of Contents
- Physical Activities for Bedbound Seniors
- Mental and Emotional Stimulation
- Social Activities and Connection
- Creative Arts and Hobbies
- Practical Tips for Caregivers
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1. Physical Activities for Bed-Bound Seniors
Nothing beats exercises really. And being bedbound doesn’t stop one from getting the muscles going.
When people are stuck in bed for too long, muscles shrink, and bones get weaker. This process is called muscle atrophy and bone demineralization. But simple movements, like ankle pumps or heel slides, can help delay that.
Your loved one’s going to need a lot of your help here; try these science-backed exercises at home:
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Simple Bed Exercises For Seniors
Bed exercises don’t require much space or equipment but can still be very effective. These include:
1. Ankle pumps:
Ankle pumps, for example, help increase circulation in the lower extremities.
Here’s how you do them: sitting upright or lying flat, have the elderly person point their toes away and then pull them back toward the body.
This simple movement improves blood flow, which is crucial for preventing blood clots in bedridden patients.
2. Glute Squeezes:
Glute squeezes are a simple exercise that strengthens the muscles in the buttocks. While lying flat on the bed, the person squeezes their glute muscles as tightly as possible for a few seconds, then releases.
This exercise helps prevent muscle atrophy and keeps the lower body muscles engaged without needing to stand or move around.
3. Heel Slides:
Sliding the heel toward the buttocks and then back out again can help maintain leg flexibility.
To do heel slides, the person lies flat on their back with legs straight. They then bend one knee, sliding the heel up toward the buttocks, keeping the foot flat on the bed.
After reaching the maximum bend, they slowly straighten the leg, sliding the heel back down to its starting position. This exercise improves mobility and flexibility in the legs.
4. Static quad contractions:
On top of all this, there’s static quad contractions. Have them lie flat, pull their toes toward their head, and press the backs of their knees into the bed.
This move targets the thigh muscles, helping to maintain leg strength even with limited movement. Do it a few times a day, and over time, you’ll notice a difference in their strength.
We have an entire guide on the best bed exercises for every senior to stay fit from bed. You should check that article out.
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Stretching Exercises
Even when confined to a bed, basic movement can help prevent the worst outcomes of immobility.
Simple stretches like leg lifts, shoulder rolls, and ankle pumps are a great way to keep blood flowing and muscles from stiffening Don’t worry if they aren’t as strong as they once were; even small efforts count.
These should be done daily, as they help reduce stiffness and improve mobility in the joints:
- Passive Range of Motion (ROM): Gently moving a person’s arms, legs, and joints in a circular motion improves blood flow and maintains joint flexibility.
- Active ROM: If possible, encourage your loved one to do simple movements like rotating their arms or flexing their wrists.
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Hand Therapy and Dexterity Games
Keeping the hands and fingers active is important too. Bed-bound seniors are prone to losing fine motor skills, especially if their days consist mostly of resting.
Simple activities like squeezing stress balls or manipulating small objects can keep those skills intact.
A fun twist? Try dexterity games like tracing paths on paper or using finger labyrinths. These activities not only help with coordination but also engage the brain—double the benefit!
You’d be surprised how something as simple as a repetitive hand exercise can contribute to the overall well-being of your loved one.
This guide teachers you how to get into physical therapy for your loved one at home, even if you have zero experience.
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Gentle Bed Yoga
Source: realsimple.com
Yoga isn’t just for those who can stand on their heads. Even for those confined to bed, there are gentle yoga poses that can be done to stretch and release tension in the body.
Bed yoga is a wonderful way to keep the body flexible without requiring a lot of movement. For a bedbound person, it could include simple poses like seated arm stretches or gentle torso twists.
While sitting up in bed (supported by pillows), they can extend their arms overhead, breathing deeply to relax and release tension.
Yoga in bed focuses on calming the mind and gently stretching the body, making it a great low-impact activity for seniors.
Use of Assistive Devices
Consider using devices like resistance bands or leg cycling machines for bed-based exercises. These can help strengthen muscles while the person remains in bed.
Additionally, electric muscle stimulation (EMS) has shown positive outcomes in maintaining muscle mass in bedridden patients.
Here are a lot of helpful leg exercises for bedbound elderly loved ones who may have mobility issues.
2. Mental and Emotional Stimulation
Mental and emotional health is just as crucial as physical well-being for the elderly. Bedridden individuals often face feelings of isolation, depression, and boredom.
But, the right mental and emotional activities can prevent these negative feelings.
Reading and Audiobooks
If your loved one enjoys reading, but vision problems prevent them from engaging with traditional books, find some audiobooks on Spotify or Audible.
Look for good audiobooks that can bring joy, nostalgia, or mental stimulation.
Word Games and Puzzles
Simple puzzles, Sudoku, or crossword puzzles can be great mental workouts.
Here are some mobile apps and websites also offer interactive brain games that can be played with a tablet or a caregiver’s help.
These games challenge memory, improve concentration, and even promote problem-solving skills.
Music Therapy
Music has a profound effect on mood and can trigger memories. For bedbound seniors, listening to music from their youth or songs they enjoyed during special moments can boost emotional well-being.
- Sing-alongs: If they’re up for it, singing along to old tunes can spark joy and even enhance breathing patterns.
- Instrument Play: If your loved one can still manage some motor control, simple instruments like maracas or small drums can be fun, low-effort activities.
Reminiscence Therapy
Encourage storytelling by asking about past experiences, favorite memories, or historical events they lived through.
This can create meaningful interactions and help stimulate memory recall. Use photo albums, old letters, or family videos to guide these conversations.
Pet Therapy
Believe it or not, just having a furry friend nearby can make a world of difference for someone who’s bedbound.
Programs that offer pet therapy visits can bring immense joy. Even virtual interactions with animals can spark happiness
Journaling
Encourage your loved one to write down their thoughts or memories.
It can be therapeutic, especially for those who may feel lonely or frustrated by their current situation. This is also a wonderful way to preserve family history.
3. Social Activities and Connection: Even Bedbound, They Matter
You know, even when someone’s stuck in bed, they still want to feel like they belong to the world. Social indoor activities for bedridden seniors are super important, maybe even more than we realize.
Sometimes it’s the little things—a phone call, a chat about what’s happening in the family, or just sitting together, watching TV. It’s about making sure they don’t feel forgotten, you know?
- Phone calls and video chats:
It might sound basic, but a quick call or FaceTime with family can be the highlight of their day.
You can even set up a family “phone tree” where different people check in with them each day. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just keeping the connection alive.
- Games for bedridden adults:
Let’s mix it up. Ever tried virtual bingo? Or maybe they’d love a good old-fashioned game of cards or trivia. Simple stuff, but it keeps the mind sharp and gives them something fun to do.
Heck, even reading them the latest neighborhood gossip can feel like they’re in the loop.
It’s really about keeping the conversations going, making them feel involved, even if they can’t leave the bed. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just real.
If you’ll be taking your loved ones for parties, these are the top party games for seniors that we use to turn Up the room.
4. Creative Arts and Hobbies for Bedridden Patients: Unleashing Inner Picasso (Sorta)
Just because someone’s stuck in bed doesn’t mean their creativity has to take a nap. There are bed ridden activities that can spark joy and keep their minds busy.
Even if they’ve never been artsy, it’s worth a shot—after all, it’s more about the fun than the result, right?
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Knitting, crocheting, or even sewing:
These can be such calming activities for bedbound seniors. It’s repetitive, relaxing, and, hey, they can end up with something cozy at the end—win-win.
Even if they’ve never done it before, there’s no better time to learn.
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Coloring and painting:
It’s not just for kids, trust me. Adult coloring books are a thing, and they’re awesome. It’s all about zoning out and just focusing on colors.
Watercolor painting is another chill hobby that doesn’t take much effort but lets them feel creative.
These activities for bedridden elderly are more about the process than the outcome. It’s just a nice way to pass time while adding a splash of creativity to their day.
Need help finding a caregiver for your Loved One?
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Practical Tips for Caregivers of Bedbound Seniors
Being a caregiver isn’t exactly a walk in the park, is it? It’s a lot. But hey, you’re doing great—don’t forget that.
Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when figuring out activities for bedridden adults that aren’t going to drain you both.
- Keep it simple:
Honestly, the best advice I can give is to not overthink it. You don’t need to plan elaborate things.
Sometimes, just sitting down and watching a favorite show together or flipping through an old photo album can be enough. It’s all about what feels right in the moment.
- Small steps, no rush:
Break things down. If you’re going to introduce new bedridden activities, don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Start small—maybe a 10-minute puzzle or a quick craft project.
Keep it light and easy, and don’t worry if they’re not up for it one day.
And if you’re senior is bedbound because they have trouble walking, here’s what you can do to help them.
Conclusion
Prolonged periods of immobility can lead to issues such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and reduced circulation.
But perhaps less obvious are the mental and emotional tolls—loneliness, cognitive decline, and even depression are all risks when a person is confined to bed.
Dr. Ella Njike is the CEO and founder of Global One Home Care Boston, a Boston-based agency providing compassionate in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities. With a Doctorate and extensive experience working in the healthcare industry, Dr Ella brings a unique understanding to the challenges families face. He established Global One Home Care to ensure that care extends beyond daily tasks, focusing on building genuine connections and respecting each individual's journey. Dr. Njike is deeply committed to creating an environment where clients feel truly valued and at home.
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