AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Question Previously you stated that reversing contractures were difficult - but not that it was impossible. I would like to know how it can be done for my mom.
Also her being immobile, she has pneumonia. I read about an inflatable chest percussion vest - for expelling mucus. Do they work? If not...is there any position, etc. that we can place her in where this won't happen again. Thanking you in advance for your answers to the above questions.
Answer Hi Lois and thanks for writing,
I have "reversed" contractures on some of my older clients over the years - it just requires a gentle touch and consistent care. I simply encouraged passive Range of Motion exercises to the affected joints at least twice a day. "Encourage" by gentling pressing the area to move as much as tolerated - of course you never want to force it to the point of hurting; but if you gently encourage the area regularly you will find the area will slowly move a wee bit more each day until you regain significant movement (and decrease the discomfort for your Mom).
As for positioning to prevent pneumonia, just think o the lungs like two little balloons with a cup of water in each - you never want the water to be allowed to settle in one area too long or it will start to grow bugs. The best thing is to turn your Mom every 2-3 hours, full right side to back, to half left side to half right, to full left to back, and on and on etc while she's in bed. of course you also want to alternate between flat in bed with elevated on pillows to sitting up in a chair as often as manageable.
I hope this helps answer your questions all my best,
