We have 24-hour care with an agency. My 96-year-old mom is on hospice. I am staying here with her 24/7 because the caregivers need my assistance when they transfer my mom to the commode. My mom has no strength left in her legs, so the transfer is hard. But other than this, the caregivers could manage without me. I don’t want to be here all the time if I don’t have to. Any ideas?
This would be an option for the caregivers when you aren't there. It is a process that is actually pretty easy. Mom says she needs to go, aid places the disposable chux, mom goes and aid cleans up.
We usually put a couple under my sister, just in case it was getting messy, we could pull the full chux out, roll-up, dispose and my sister didn't get feces on her.
You have to take care of you and hopefully, mom can understand this.
He can’t be there multiple times every day that the parents need to or want to transfer, so being asked is concerning. You might need sit to stands or a hoyer lift with aides specifically trained on how to manage those.
I am surprised that one has not been provided
Note that the alternative option for you would be worse: if the caregiver quits, you are stuck doing everything by yourself.
Last year at this time she was able to transfer from wheelchair to commode to bed and back again without any assistance. But, in July she had a week in the hospital due to heart related issues. That was the final straw. Her knees/ligaments/muscles said, “that’s it old girl”. The rehab facility/hospice sent her home with a Sit to Stand lift. With this lift a type of vest is snapped on at the waist then hooked to the lift arms, the patient holds on to the arms, puts their feet on the foot base, and rests their knees against the knee pads. The lift arms are raised to the height that’s needed for the transfer. What a blessing!!
My mom uses a wheelchair to get around in the house, so she only needs a caregiver for an hour in the morning, and an hour in the evening. I should add that at this time she has a hospice aid that comes midday to change her pull-up. Once she no longer has this service I will be looking into the Pure Wick. If the Pure Wick isn’t doable we’ll then need to hire a caregiver for an hour during the day, as well.
There are so many accommodations that can be made, now a days, that allow a person to stay in their home, where they are most comfortable. Hope all goes well for you and your mom.
There were times when Mom was in the hospital the Nurses though because I was there that I would do. They were mistaken, that was not my job nor was I comfortable in doing what they thought I would/could/should.
Just an option to consider.
The alternative to 2 x assist is stay in bed & use bed pans. Hired hospital bed that raises & can sit up really helps at this stage.
It is certainly reasonable to keep using bathroom/commode for as long as possible. So it is worth exploring what options are possible. Ask your Hospice contact - they must see this situation a lot.
Just for your info;
The level of assistance goes as follows;
* Independant.
* 1 x assist. Without equipment, then with equipment.
* 2 x assist, with equipment.
Have Hospice (or OT) assess transfer method. Could 1 aide manage SAFELY with a sit to stand machine? If so, arrange hire.
If not suitable due to lack of leg strength, then next step could be a hoist lifting machine. This also can be hired.
Ask Care Agency Manager about training experience of the staff who will be using any machines. (Hospice Nurse may be able to demo & train if req'd)
Hoists may be done by 1, depends on care agency policy but 2 people are often required. Safety is top priority.
It's possible to hire a hoist & a 2nd aide could be arranged to visit say, 2 x week for bathing assist.
But as 2nd aide not able to be arranged 'as needed' for toileting transfers, you face the same problem..
I hope this stage brings some joy as well as the hard work 🤗