Caring for an Elderly Loved One with an Injured Shoulder

When an elderly family member suffers a shoulder injury requiring immobilization, it will change their ability to carry out even the simplest daily tasks. As a family member, our support plays a vital role in ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity. Here’s a practical guide to handling new routines with care and compassion, based on a recent experience with my mother-in-law:

🛁 1. Bathing and Hygiene
Ensure the injured arm stays dry and protected. Use a waterproof sling cover or plastic wrap secured with medical tape. Opt for sponge baths initially, using warm water and gentle soap. Place a non-slip mat in the bathroom and assist with washing hard-to-reach areas like the back or the immobilized arm.

👕 2. Dressing and Undressing
Choose loose-fitting, front-opening clothing—like button-down shirts or zip-up jackets—to make dressing easier. Start by slipping the injured arm in first and removing it last when undressing. Adaptive clothing with magnetic closures or Velcro can make this process smoother. Bottom wear can also have elastic at the waist or velcro for certain designs. This type of clothing is easy to remove or wear in case the person is using the bathroom independently.

🍽 3. Eating and Drinking
Set up meals at a table with non-slip placemats. Pre-cut fruits or rotis into bite-sized pieces to minimize effort. Use lightweight utensils, or consider plates with high edges for one-handed use if the useful arm is affected.

🛏 4. Sleeping Comfortably
Help them find a comfortable sleeping position, ideally on their back or the uninjured side. Use extra pillows for support and elevation. A body pillow can  prevent them from rolling onto the injured side during the night. Keep the sling tight before they lie down.

🚽 5. Using the Toilet
Install grab bars near the toilet and ensure the path is clutter-free. Offer assistance with clothing adjustments and hygiene if needed. Keep a light on at night so the patient can safely go to the toilet as required.

🚶 6. Walking and Light Activity
Encourage movement with a walking stick if their balance is compromised. A short, supervised daily walk helps with digestion, elimination of gases and blood circulation, and most importantly, it will boost mood. Encourage light movement in the fingers and hand of the immobilized arm (if allowed by the doctor) to prevent stiffness. The tension ball exercises are fun to do.

🚗 7. Travelling by Car
Help them into the vehicle slowly, leading with the uninjured side. Use a cushion or folded towel to support the injured arm during the journey because there are jerks while braking or going over rough roads. You can use the seatbelt for them, adjusting it to avoid pressure on the shoulder.

🧩 8. Keeping the Mind Engaged
To avoid boredom and restlessness during recovery, offer simple activities like board games, card games, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku. Choose games that can be played with one hand or don’t require much physical effort. This keeps the mind active and spirits high—especially during long weeks of rest. They get better at the games, so a sense of achievement fills the mind with hope.

💛 Final Thoughts
Patience, empathy, and planning will make you feel calmer with all the changes in life and while your loved one heals, your kindness supports their recovery—one day at a time.