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AIDS and Comfort
There are some simple things you can
do to help someone with AIDS feel comfortable at home.
Respect their independence and privacy. Give them
control as much as possible. Ask to enter their room,
ask permission to sit with them.
Ask them what you can do to make them comfortable. Many
people feel shy about asking for help, especially help
with things like using the toilet, bathing, shaving,
eating, and dressing.
Keep the home clean and looking bright and cheerful.
Let the person with AIDS stay in a room that is near a
bathroom.
Leave items the person needs within easy reach of the
bed or chair.
Bedsores
Bedsores or other broken skin can be a serious problem.
Change positions in bed often. To help keep skin
healthy, put extra-soft material (sheepskin, "egg crate"
foam, or a water mattress) under the person, keep sheets
dry and wrinkle free.
Massage the back and other parts of the body (like hips,
elbows, and ankles) which press down on the bed. Report
any red or broken areas on the skin to the doctor or
nurse right away.
Exercises
Even in bed, a person can do simple arm, hand, leg, and
foot exercises. These exercises help prevent stiff, sore
joints and help keep the blood moving. Ask the doctor
about Range of Motion exercises.
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