Complications of immobility
Skin: pressure injury within hours over a bony prominence Muscle: 1 to 3 % strength lost per day of bed rest Bone: demineralization Lungs: atelectasis, pneumonia, secretion retention Circulation: venous thrombosis, orthostatic hypotension Bowel: constipation Bladder: retention, infection Mind: disorientation, delirium, depression Every day in bed costs an older adult more than it costs a younger one, and recovery is far slower. Mobilization is a treatment, not a comfort measure.