Older adults with obesity are a fast-growing segment of our population and will require special care, particularly in activities of daily living. Determining if a person is obese is determined by their weight and height measurements calculated into a system known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or lower is typically viewed as healthy, and a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese or “clinically obese” and meets the requirements for bariatric care. The BMI is far from perfect, but is generally a good predictor of Type 2 Diabetes, Stroke and Heart Disease.
Bariatric Care: An Introduction
The branch of medicine known as bariatric care, is a specialty area that researches causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher will have numerous special care needs. When the individual is between 350 and 400 pounds or has a BMI higher than 30, there may be issues with providing care and personal hygiene. The skin, for instance, is the largest organ and problems such as infections, sores, and irritation can occur.
(NOTE: Interested in Nursing CEUs? Checkout my Nursing CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)
Other areas that will need attention are diet and exercise. Adjusting to a special diet with significantly fewer calories can be a real challenge for someone who consumes thousands of calories daily. Encouraging movement of any kind is important to not only lose weight, but to boost cardiac output and improve self-esteem. If the individual is mobile, it is important to get them up and out for daily exercise. Any movement is better than none at all.
Some individuals may experience incontinence problems. Simple activities like toileting and personal care may become especially difficult at certain weights. Special incontinence products may be very helpful in these situations. Bariatric adult briefs, bladder pads with bed pads (chux) can be placed under the individual to protect against leaks. Rashes can be addressed by using skin barrier ointments and antifungal creams. It is easier to prevent rashes and other skin problems than to treat them.
Bariatric medical supplies, which have higher weight limits, must be used to provide appropriate care. Most products are designed to support a weight of 350 pounds or more. These products are larger and are designed to provide a more comfortable fit. The range of bariatric products varies and includes bath safety equipment (benches and safety chairs), commodes, walkers, furniture, stair rails, beds, sheets, and mattresses.
Safety Issues
One of the most important aspects of providing this type of care is safety for both the care-recipient as well as the caregiver. Obesity challenges the caregiver by increasing the difficulty of providing assistance with mobility, personal hygiene, skin care and activities of daily living. Obesity has been linked to work-related injuries among care staff, in particular, high rates of musculoskeletal injuries among nurses and nursing assistants. Studies have shown that people with obesity are more likely to fall in care facilities. As this population ages, dementia and memory loss will also factor in to difficulty providing care.
Final Words on Providing Bariatric Care
The number of obese individuals in the United States is growing, and along with it, an increase in obese older adults who will require care in a skilled nursing facility. Caring properly for these individuals will take lots of training and continuing education. Knowledge in bariatric care and products will be very helpful in providing the kind of care these individuals need and deserve. It is always important to remember that safety is a necessity for both the individual as well as the caregiver.
(NOTE: Interested in Nursing CEUs? Checkout my Nursing CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)