Return to flip book view
GET UP GET DRESSED GET MOVING PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET THIS IS MODERN MEDICINE
GET UP GET DRESSED GET MOVING PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET Beacon Hospital is part of an international concept aimed at encouraging patients to get out of their pyjamas hospital gowns and get dressed in their own clothes during their hospital stay Get Up Get Dressed Get Moving A stay in hospital often means you need to spend some time in bed Over time this can a ect your recovery by reducing muscle strength and mobility We call this deconditioning Everyone who is in hospital should get up get dressed and get moving when their healthcare team agrees that they are well enough This is especially important for older people Although there can be risks with moving around staying in bed is actually riskier to your health and wellbeing Bed rest is not a good way to recover from many illnesses or injuries and can actually make your recovery time take longer Why is staying active and independent so important To regain the muscle strength you may have lost while you were unwell To maintain your independence with mobility or activities of daily living e g washing dressing To reduce the risk of developing complications like bed sores chest infections back pain clots confusion constipation and becoming institutionalised
To re build a sense of control self confidence and structure to your day This can help improve your overall sense of wellbeing and confidence to return home to your usual everyday life How we can help you We will support you with anything you need to help you get out of bed and become active We will encourage you to get dressed in your own clothes and we will help you if you cannot do it yourself We will provide you with equipment if required to help you to be more independent We will encourage you to sit out of bed for as long as is appropriate to you We will let you know how far you should walk and help you if you need assistance We will encourage you to walk a little further each day What are the risks What you can do to help Firstly check with your healthcare team to make sure that you are well enough to start moving again Try to maintain your usual routine as best you can You wouldn t stay in bed all day at home If you are told to stay in bed try to keep active with gentle bed exercises Check if there are any movements you need to be careful with Bring your own comfortable loose fitting day clothes so you can get dressed You will also need comfortable and supportive footwear Ask family and friends to help with this
If you use mobility aids bring them in with you and continue to use them if you are able to These may include a walking stick wheeled walking frame or rollator If it is suitable your healthcare team may encourage you to walk independently or with your nurse healthcare assistant physiotherapist occupational therapist or your visitor Sit out of bed to eat your meals and increase the time you spend out of bed each day Ask ward sta if your friends or relatives can walk with you or take you to the caf or hospital shop Bring in activities to keep you occupied e g radio books ipad puzzles Remember to bring your glasses and hearing aids if you use these
Talk to a member of our healthcare team If you are concerned about anything you have read please discuss this with a member of your healthcare team There are many reasons you may not want to get up such as pain tiredness breathlessness weakness or a fear of falling If you talk about these concerns the team can address them with you We want to get you back to your usual routine as quickly as possible THIS IS MODERN MEDICINE
Version 19 01 2024 Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie