why do people get contractures, and what to do about it?

Published

:heartbeatWhat causes people's bodies to ball up and get contractured; I know I curl up myself when I sleep. What can be done to prevent or reverse this process? I work in a vent/ltc unit and I'm so sick of seeing people all bound up like that;isn't there something that can help them/"restorative " programs seem to be under-funded in general,and not paid much attention to.............

At one LTC facility where I worked, the CNAs didn't even bother to change incontinent residents, much less do anything else for them all night. They were too busy sleeping on duty. That workplace behavior contributes to contractures.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

As a CNA I don't have time to do ROM on anyone. As soon as I'm done with AM care and breakfast it's time to toilet/repo everyone. As soon as I'm done with that, I do showers, and then I've got to do the toilet/repo thing all over again, and then it's lunch. After lunch comes more toilet and repo and ambulations. I have no clue when I would actually have time to do ROM unless I gave up doing something else in its place.

edit- actually, if we didn't have to spend the last 45 minutes of every day doing side work like folding linen and emptying trash, we might actually have time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Not helpful.

Stay completely unknown. Patronizing response to ADD's question.

I thought it was a good question. OP never be afraid to ask questions. You can't know everything.

Okay, fair enough, it's a good question, and my post wasn't helpful. I do apologise for that.

I certainly didn't mean to be patronising but I can see now that that's exactly how it sounded.

I'm sorry OP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

to completely unknown:yes it is a serious question; I don't see anything to joke about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
to completely unknown:yes it is a serious question; I don't see anything to joke about.

ADDnurse, not joking about it, it's a big problem. Once again, I really am sorry for acting like a condescending know-it-all.

I'm surprised and dismayed that the cause and prevention of contractures wasn't taught but good for you for recognising the issue and taking the time to find out more. No one can do any better than that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion