IMMOBILITY

The immobility is a disease that affects many elderly, and is based on the fear of joint pain. In my view, this fear is what makes that person stops moving, the pain really begins as something unbearable and typical of the years, but the person who fears thinks will suffer more and it may trigger that pain again. Thus gradually deterioration eventually ends up preventing everyday movements because as the person remains without any active muscles will atrophy.

The immobility is a disease that not only results in immobility, but also brings a number of other associated problems such as fear of social rejection, and even problems with constipation, intestinal pain, lack of sleep, chronic pain reflexes ... For this reason is important as nurse, prevent immobility is part of the life of the elderly, and for that the best solution is the motivation for physical activity.

There are several reasons involved in the loss of mobility in the elderly including: decreased motor function and the progression of chronic diseases. Especially after 70 years or after long convalescence acute illness in hospital. From 65 to 18% of older people have a reduced mobility. At 75 to 50% of older people need help to leave home.

The comprehensive assessment of the elderly is the basis of a nursing care in immobility for a successful recovery:

1. Comprehensive assessment of the elderly: personal, disease, assessment of the senses, functional status assessment, charting the activities of daily living that is able to play, for it will be used geriatric assessment scales such as the Katz index or the Barthel

2. Process specific tests of immobility about what triggers the causes and symptoms, time taken in this situation, process and impact of immobility in the quality of life.

3. Rating medication.

4. Rating of psychosocial aspects: depression, social isolation, lack of affection, loss of self-esteem.

5. Physical Assessment of the environment: architectural barriers, access to housing (entry stairs, use of braces), access to the rooms (doors, remoteness of bathrooms and kitchen), security (floor mats, cables, free space, furniture, light) , measures of chairs, bed and toilet.

Finally, I would add that the main goal of nursing care is to restore the old baseline as before the process of immobility. Care plans established should be individualized and include the patient, family and / or caregivers. I emphasize that physical exercise is the best activity to prevent immobility

Bibliography.

• Cornachione, M. Síndrome de inmovilidad. En: Libro Guía para el cuidado del  anciano con problemas. 2006.

• Millan, J. Inmovilidad, inestabilidad y caídas. En: Geriatria y gerontología. 2010