Older patients who remain bedridden in the hospital are at risk of significant muscle weakness and loss of physical function. Prolonged bed rest can lead to issues like confusion, immobility, swallowing problems, falls, appetite loss, and digestive issues. Instead, patients should get out of bed, get dressed, and stay active as much as possible in order to maintain muscle strength and physical abilities and ensure an easier recovery.

1. PREVENTING DECONDITIONING AND
ENABLING INDEPENDENCE FOR
OLDER PEOPLE IN HOSPITAL
Prolonged bed rest in older people can lead to
substantial loss of muscle strength and physical activity
Adapted from the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Deconditioning Awareness Campaign
MYTH
"You should always stay
in bed because you will
get better if you rest"
MYTH
"It is never safe for you
to get out of bed" *
MYTH
"You are never supposed to
wash and dress yourself"
Staying in bed for too long, not staying active and not
trying to wash and dress yourself can mean that you
struggle to get back to your normal level of activity
when you go home
FACT
Increased
confusion or
disorientation
Further
immobility due
to inactivity
Increased risk of
swallowing
problems leading
to pneumonia
Increased risk
of falls due to
muscle
weakness
Lying in bed
can affect
appetite and
digestion
Get up... Get dressed... Keep moving...
YOUR MUSCLES / YOUR STRENGTH / YOUR ABILITIES
USE THEM OR LOSE THEM
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*Hospital staff should advise when it is not safe for patients to mobilise
Constipation
and
incontinence