Deconditioning is the decline in physical and mental functioning due to inactivity or bed rest.
It may affect many systems in the body. Deconditioning may happen in hospital as we are often in bed for a lot of the time.
Preventing deconditioning in hospital
Inactivity may cause
Increased risk of swallowing problems
Reduced wellbeing
Confusion and disorientation
Constipation and incontinence
Loss of motivation
Reduced muscle strength and physical function
Reduced appetite and digestion
Increased risk of falls
Reduced mobility
Skin breakdown leading to pressure sores
This may mean a longer stay in hospital, away from home. It may lead to getting infections, losing weight, and losing muscle strength. Some people may become more dependent, need more care, and equipment when they leave the hospital.
Deconditioning can happen to anyone and can be irreversible. As we get older, we become more vulnerable.
Did you know!
If a person over 80 years of age spends 10 days in bed, they may have 10 years of muscle ageing.
Did you know!
Just 24 hours in bed may reduce muscle power by 2.5%. 7 days may reduce muscle power by 5-10% (NHS, 2017).
The Eat Sleep Move Repeat Campaign
This is our Trust wide campaign to raise the awareness of the risks of deconditioning.
Eat
When you are unwell, being in hospital can make eating healthily difficult. These tips may help:
Eat a varied and balanced diet
If you can, eat your meals sat in the chair
Clear your table, open a window if able, and wash your hands
Ask for help if you need it
Tell us whether you use different cutlery or cups. We can get you some to use
Tell staff if you have dietary allergies, preferences, or texture needs
Ask for a picture menu or help to choose your meals
Ask visitors to bring in snacks
Please tell us of any unplanned weight loss
Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly
Sleep
We all need to sleep well to get better. These tips may help:
Maintain your sleep routine as best as you can
Avoid electronics and stimulants like caffeine before bed
Try meditation or music before sleeping
Use ear plugs
Turn off the bedside light
Move regularly in the daytime and eat a healthy diet
Talk to your doctor or nurse about sleep issues
Move
Staying active in hospital is important. These tips may help:
Share your daily routine with us. This helps to help you maintain your routine
If you are able to, wash in the bathroom and dress in your own clothes
Sit out in the chair for your meals
If able to, stand and walk around the ward, toilet or drinks trolley
Make a drink if you are able to at the drink trolley
Do chair or bed movements included in this booklet
Keep your brain active by reading, talking to others, listening to music and doing puzzles. We may have some on the ward you can do
Ask visitors to bring items from home: glasses, hearing aids, clothes, shoes, toiletries, and phones (but lock away when not using them)
Use the patient TV if available on the ward
Repeat
Repeat all of the activites above.