Let’s get moving

Why do we need to get moving?

People need time to rest and recover while they are in hospital, or when they are recovering at home following injury or illness.

But staying in bed, or sitting still all day once the acute phase is over will not help them to recover in the long term.

By encouraging people to get up, put on their own clothes and safe well-fitting footwear, and get moving, we can help prevent muscle deterioration and reduce their risk of falling, both in hospital and at home.

Here are some facts about deconditioning in hospital:

• Just one week in hospital can lead to 10 per cent less muscle strength, 25 per cent reduced circulation and a decline in dignity, confidence and independence.
• For patients over 80, 10 days of bed rest can lead to 10 years of muscle ageing.
• Deconditioning in hospital leads to delayed discharge in nearly half of older patients
• Half of older patients will experience increased confusion and memory loss while in hospital
• Half of older people can become incontinent within 48 hours of admission.

What can people do to help their own recovery in hospital?

• Get dressed in your own clothes and shoes every day
• Eat your meals at the table
• Sit in a chair or go for a walk when you have visitors
• Do simple exercises on your bed or chair
• Spend as much time in the day room as possible.

How can families and friends help?

• Bring clean, loose-fitting clothes with elastic waist bands and wide leg and arm openings, as well as well-fitting, comfortable shoes
• Bring any mobility aids such as walking frames or and canes
• Take clothes home for cleaning
• Talk to your loved one and their care-givers about staying active
• Be patient and encouraging.

Rest

Sleep is the body’s time to rebuild, restore and rejuvenate, and it’s most important to have quality sleep when recovering from a serious injury or illness. Hospitals are busy places with lots of interruptions, talking and noises from equipment, which can cause long-term sleep deprivation, slowing down your recovery. So, the faster you can get back to your own bed, the better.

Infection

You are at less risk of infection at home. When you are sick, you are more likely to pick up bacteria or fungal infections, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia.

Mental wellbeing

Being in familiar surroundings with support from loved ones, family and friends is one of the best things for your mental wellbeing.

So, when you are really sick, our hospitals are the place you need to be. But once you are stable, you recover much better and faster at home, if you have the right support around you. Getting moving every day is the first step to your independence.

What about people with a disability or long-term condition?