Staying active in hospital 

Many people believe that bed rest is the best way to recover from many illnesses or injuries, and that:

• patients should stay in bed as they will feel better if they get rest
• it is not safe for patients to get out of bed
• patients should not wash or dress themselves while in hospital.

Not moving enough and staying in bed affects your recovery by reducing muscle strength and mobility.  Not doing the routine everyday things you did at home such as getting dressed, seeing friends, reading the paper, doing hobbies can lead to boredom, decreased appetite and low mood and confusion.  We call all of this deconditioning.  The sooner you are active physically, mentally and socially, the sooner you should be able to go home.

There are many ways that you will benefit by staying active when in hospital including:

• Having a better appetite
• Improving your sleep
• Enjoy a better mood
• Being less weak and tired
• Reducing the risk of bed sores
• Being less confused
• Experiencing less dizziness
• Being more able to cope when you return home.

Although there can be risks with moving around, staying in bed is actually more risky to your health and wellbeing.

Bed rest is not a good way to recover from many illnesses or injuries and can make your recovery time longer.  It can also lead to additional complications, such as:

• Your skin could break down and become sore
• You may lose independence in personal care
• You may lose strength and tire more easily.

Staying active whilst in hospital is very important, as prolonged periods of bed rest and reduced activity levels can keep you in hospital for longer than needed.

• We will look at what you were able to do before you came into hospital to understand how we can support and encourage you to keep moving
• We will let you know in advance when you are likely to be going home
• If you need glasses or hearing aids let us know so we can make sure you have them to hand
• 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 comfortable clothes and will help you to get dressed until you can do it yourself
• We will encourage you to sit in the chair for as long as appropriate
• We will let you know how far you should walk and help you if you need assistance and we will encourage you to walk a little further each day.

• Be as active as possible
• Bring your own day clothes and shoes into hospital so you can get dressed
• Sit in the chair to eat your meals and increase the time you spend out of bed
• If you are told to stay in bed, try to keep moving your arms and legs if able
• Wear your glasses and hearing aids if needed.
• Engage in conversations with others
• Continue to do your hobbies, read the newspaper, do puzzles, read a book/magazine, do a jigsaw, knit etc.
• Ask a member of staff if you need help to walk
• Ask your carer/family/friends to bring in your shoes/slippers, day clothes, activities and, if needed your walking aid
• Make sure your personal effects are clearly labelled with your name
• Ask ward staff if your carer, family member or friend can walk with you or take you to the café or hospital shops.

We realise that for some patients they are not able or not allowed to get out of bed.

If this is the case, then a member of the nursing staff on your ward will advise you about regular moves and activities you can do while remaining in bed so that you can stay active.

If you have any questions or concerns about staying active in hospital, please speak to the staff member in charge of your care.