Hello - My mother was recently placed on palliative home hospice care. We're working with the medical pros to make certain that she is comfortable, happy and at peace. My challenge is changing her. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to change her diapers? She has very fragile and has very little mobility so we must do pretty much everything, we try to be gentle, efficient and fast, but it's stressful for her so of course it's stressful for us. Any suggestions on a fast and effective way to accomplish this. By the way we have a hospital bed so i hope this will make it easier. Any and all insight will be appreciated. Thank you! Best wishes with your senior loved ones
I'm where I should be. Not behind a desk anymore. It feels right.
I just joined this forum, and will come here for answers.
I have found using the garbage pail bags with fabreeze spring scent some help until I carry out in morning. And I use lavender scent softener in everything to help the air.
About the heels on the bed? Ideas welcome...DH takes eliquis and is pounding his feet and heels and that can't be good. Ideas?
Now the diaper situation: Pls try the wrap around diapers with tape on each side. It's a little easier to put on and take off than the pull-up diaper. Can be found at a good pharmacy or market.
The most important tip I can give you: avoid prolonged pressure on any one part of your mom's body.
Change her wet diapers and/or clothing often to avoid skin contact with her urine.
I only learned this trick after my mom died, but you should limit raising the head of her bed above 30 degrees because this can allow the skin to slide over the bed surface which could cause skin damage.
Change your mom's body position at least every 2 hours and place pillows under her ankles to keep her heels off the bed.
If you don't already have one, get an air mattress -- it is a god-send!
Good luck to you and remember that you are in my prayers.
What is really hard is when she had eight arms. I could not keep her hands out of the mess and clean her at the same time. That is when you have to yell. HELP!!! Never be ashamed to ask for help or you will go crazy.
And yes, make sure you change her position every 2 hours. The skin on the joints. Like elbows, ankle bones, shoulder blades and especially the bottom, they can become very nasty if not relieved regularly. If shes laying flat on her back, even adding a pillow or taking one away is good and placing pillows to elevate her arms will give a good position change. A rolled up towel under her Achilles heals too.