NoBoxes

I have provided direct care to multiple comatose patients. In my experience, the above post bears both repeating and elaboration.

Various forms of mental stimulation are indeed important; however, physical maintenance is just as important. Not only does the tactile sensation associated with physical contact stimulate the mind, it is essential to body maintenance. Many people have heard the saying "If you don't use it, you lose it." Still, most people outside of the healthcare profession don't realize that a person begins to lose physical capability after just 72 hours of immobility. Without range of motion exercises muscles lose their elasticity, ligaments and tendons contract, and skin loses its integrity over bony prominences if a person isn't repositioned every 2-3 hours.

Healthcare workers at all levels have protocols for preventing and managing these complications (should they occur). They monitor patients for symptoms of maladies; however, the proactive participation of family members in preventive measures (e.g. passive range of motion and repositioning) is always welcome and actually encourages healthcare workers to go beyond the minimum requirements. Physical therapy and nursing staff can train family members to perform these procedures if asked to do so. Once accustomed to the procedures, family members can talk to their loved one while performing them and accomplished two objectives (mental and physical therapy) at the same time.

Reassure the patient's family members that due to time criteria, proactive participation is not a concession to a long coma expectation. It is important even if their loved one recovers tomorrow. This will better enable them to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

I apologize for the belated advice. My dying father passed away on the morning of June 11th and I'm preoccupied. Best wishes and I hope that the parents read some of these posts to their son.