What a Difference the Right Equipment Makes!!
This morning was my first chance to take care of Daddy from a hospital bed that worked properly. It made quite a difference, although I still had problems getting him to follow my directions. I was able to change him out of the night Depends, clean him up, and get fresh ones on, put on socks, pants part way, and shoes, before I ever let the bed down for him to sit up. That is a BIG help. He rolled away from me, following my directions perfectly, but when it came time to roll toward me, he kept trying to climb over the rail!! DH heard me struggling to get his legs back in, and came and helped me get him on his side, so I could finish the Depends. Next time, I’ll put his trousers on around his ankles first, so it will kind of “hog tie” him. LOL
Having the right equipment does make all the difference in the world when care giving. I’ve been very concerned about Ruth and Mick, after seeing the terrible bruises he gets from a wheelchair that doesn’t fit his needs properly. I wrote The Voltage Gate and A Hearty Life, thinking that they might have some scientist friends who could help her adapt the wheelchair better. If you know anyone who might be able to help her, I sure would appreciate you sending them the link to her post.
Anyway, we continue to take one day at a time, even one hour at a time, with Daddy, just trying to keep him as comfortable and as mobile as we possibly can.
Ahhhhh!! Blogger ate my comment!!!
And it was a long one, too, Ruth. I’ll try later, when it’s not so hungry!
The bed is going to make things a whole lot easier, once I can get Daddy used to the routine of rock and roll, as you put it. He just can’t seem to understand that he can’t get up and walk the way he used to be able to. He asked me tonight how was he supposed to go use the bathroom during the night, with the rails on the bed. He seemed very surprised when I told him he hadn’t been able to walk anywhere by himself in two months.
I hope someone comes up with a good idea for a way to pad that wheelchair for Mick. As heavy as he looks, I can’t imagine how you manage. Do you turn him in the bed to try to control bedsores? We used to do 30 minutes on one side, 30 on the back, and then 30 on the other side during the day, but less frequently at night, so I could get some sleep!
I am so pleased that the bed arrived and is making things easier for you. I know what you mean by the rocking and rolling as I call it…..I’m so glad your Dad didn’t fall out!
Thank you for your mention of my particular problem and for taking the time to try and find a solution….the bruise is slowly fading…quite technicolour!!!
Take care
Rx
You really are amazing, Ruth, you know that? You take care of him so well, but be sure you take care of yourself, too!
Because Mick’s arms are so permantly clenched it is very uncomfortable for him to lay on his side and he can’t wriggle himself to get into a comfortable position. I have to just try and position him slightly differently on his buttocks.
Rx
I appreciate you trying, Jeremy. I really didn’t know if you would have contact with anyone who might be able to help Ruth or not. I just took a chance that, since you are in a science field, you might possibly know someone who could figure something out.
There’s just bound to be some way to fix that gap in the wheelchair arm!!
I asked around a bit, DB, but I don’t have many friends in the medical industry.
I will continue to search, however.