Client refuses to get out of bed in the morning. What can I do?

Hi Kattysue, I'm sorry you've been put in this situation without clear instructions about how to approach your client.

Does he live alone? Are you attending him on your own, or can your agency send a second aide to work with you?

Your starting point is that your client can choose whether he wants to get out of bed or not. If he doesn't, that's fine, you mustn't try to make him. But you could bring him a drink, give him time to wake up properly, and then ask again a little while later.

If he still doesn't want to get up, then you will need to do his personal care in bed. That is very difficult for one person, which is why your agency should be sending two people. If you have been hired by the family and there isn't a second person to call on, you'll need to speak to the family and explain that your client needs more support than one person can provide - so either one of them will have to assist, if they're able, or they need to hire more care.

For now, do what you can to get your client to co-operate with having his incontinence pad checked and changed, and having personal care in bed. How is he responding to you apart from refusing to get up? - is he otherwise okay with your being there?

Hi Kattysue - is it just mornings that your client doesn't want to get up? Can you turn him from side to side every so often so pressure sores don't develop?