Bedbound vs. Bedfast — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Bedbound and bedfast both describe immobility due to illness, but bedbound typically suggests complete confinement to bed, while bedfast may imply severe restriction rather than total.
Difference Between Bedbound and Bedfast
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Being bedbound indicates that a person is entirely confined to their bed due to health conditions, unable to leave it for any activity. On the other hand, a bedfast individual may still have some ability to get up for very limited periods, such as for a few minutes per day, under assistance.
The term bedbound is often used in medical contexts to describe patients whose conditions are so severe that they must remain lying down at all times. Whereas bedfast might also be used medically, it often carries a slightly less severe connotation, suggesting that the person might participate in minimal upright activity or sitting.
Care requirements for someone who is bedbound are typically more extensive, as they may need help with every aspect of daily life. In contrast, those who are bedfast might still manage some minor activities of daily living with help or specialized equipment.
The psychological impact of being bedbound can be profound, as it involves a complete loss of mobility. Meanwhile, being bedfast, while also challenging, might allow for a bit more interaction and variation in daily activities, slightly easing psychological burdens.
In terms of recovery, a bedbound status might indicate a more challenging or prolonged path to potential mobility. Whereas recovery for someone who is bedfast might involve regaining strength and mobility more feasibly, given their existing ability to perform limited movement.
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Comparison Chart
Degree of Immobility
Complete confinement to bed.
Severe restriction, but not total confinement.
Activity Level
No ability to leave the bed.
Minimal ability to perform very limited activities.
Care Requirements
Extensive, including all aspects of daily life.
Significant, but may manage some activities with assistance.
Psychological Impact
Generally more severe due to total immobility.
Potentially less severe with slight mobility.
Recovery Potential
Often more challenging and prolonged.
Potentially quicker recovery due to less severe immobility.
Compare with Definitions
Bedbound
Unable to leave bed for any reason.
The bedbound patient required constant nursing care.
Bedfast
Typically involves some level of sitting or minimal movement.
She remained bedfast, but we equipped her room to stimulate some activity.
Bedbound
Requiring complete care while in bed.
Meals and personal hygiene were managed while he was bedbound.
Bedfast
Often part of a recovery trajectory.
His improvement from bedbound to bedfast was encouraging.
Bedbound
Immobility that restricts all daily activities to the bed.
Being bedbound, she read books and watched television to pass time.
Bedfast
Severely restricted in mobility but not completely confined.
Though bedfast, she could sit up in bed for short periods.
Bedbound
Totally confined to a bed due to illness or disability.
After the surgery, the patient was bedbound for several weeks.
Bedfast
Can perform very limited movements.
The bedfast patient was occasionally able to wheelchair for brief outdoor visits.
Bedbound
Associated with severe health conditions.
His condition left him bedbound, unable to even sit up without assistance.
Bedfast
Less severe than being completely bedbound.
While he was bedfast, friends could visit and talk with him at the bedside.
Bedbound
Unable to leave one's bed for some reason.
Bedfast
Confined to bed; bedridden.
Bedfast
Unable to leave one's bed, especially because of illness, weakness or obesity.
Bedfast
A joint or hook that attaches a bedrail to a headboard or footboard.
Bedfast
One who is bedfast.
Bedfast
Confined to bed (by illness)
Common Curiosities
What kind of care does a bedbound person require?
A bedbound person requires comprehensive care, including personal hygiene, feeding, and medical attention.
Is it easier to care for a bedfast person compared to a bedbound person?
Yes, because a bedfast person might still manage some activities, reducing the intensity of care needed.
Can a bedfast person ever sit up?
Yes, a bedfast person can sit up or engage in minimal movement with assistance.
How does one transition from bedbound to bedfast?
Improvement in health condition allowing for slight mobility can transition a person from bedbound to bedfast.
What role do healthcare professionals play in the care of bedbound or bedfast individuals?
Healthcare professionals provide medical care, physical therapy, and daily living support.
What aids are helpful for someone who is bedfast?
Special beds, wheelchairs, and assistive devices for movement and comfort are helpful.
Are bedbound and bedfast conditions permanent?
Not necessarily; both conditions can be temporary depending on the underlying health issues.
What medical conditions can lead to being bedbound or bedfast?
Severe injuries, major surgeries, or chronic debilitating diseases can lead to these conditions.
What is the main difference between being bedbound and bedfast?
Bedbound individuals cannot leave their bed at all, while bedfast individuals can perform limited activities.
Can bedbound or bedfast individuals live a quality life?
Yes, with adequate care and support, individuals can maintain a quality of life despite their limitations.
Can bedfast individuals use wheelchairs?
Yes, bedfast individuals might use wheelchairs for brief periods if their condition permits.
What psychological effects does being bedbound have?
Being bedbound can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety due to complete immobility.
Is there a typical recovery time from being bedbound or bedfast?
Recovery time varies widely based on the underlying cause and individual health factors.
How do families cope with a bedbound or bedfast family member?
Families often adapt by arranging home care or seeking professional medical assistance.
Do bedbound and bedfast conditions require hospitalization?
Not always; care can often be managed at home with professional support.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
