My mom is almost 92 and in the final stage of Alz. She is completely bed bound, cannot move on her own, incontinent and non-verbal. She has started developing bedsores, the worst is on her butt, but now has one on her hip and starting to get them on her heels. We try to change her position as much as possible but she is in pain on her side and always falls back to lying on her back. We are using patches, med.ointment, position changing and keeping her clean and dry. She also seems to have trouble breathing on her side as she winds up getting face down on the mattress or pillow - we use props to keep her in place but again she still winds up face down. We are using an air pillow to relieve the stress on her butt, but now she is developing sores on her hips (lying on her side) and on her heels. She cannot move her arms or legs so we do that for but her joints are freezing up. Any ideas of what we can do to help her? Her nutrition is poor as she no longer wants to eat, so we keep her hydrated with home-made smoothies (yogurt, fruit, juice and her meds) as this is something she will take. Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do for her? She is at home under hospice care.
The circulation begins to slow and does not reach areas where there is pressure, and deprived of a good blood supply the tissue begins to die. I have seen sores even on noses and ears! Your hospice nurse should be on top of this so follow her advice.
Real sheepskin is wonderful but unfortunately can't be cleaned. The synthetic stuff is pretty worthless you need the natural oils from the sheepskin.
I have seen lawyers looking for business state that bedsores are always a sign of neglect. Not true they can happen with the best of care. As someone mentioned they do take a long time to heal. Make sure the patient is not suffering pain from the sores or other causes. I would rather be pain free and sleepy than suffering. So if hospice offers medication use what ever you feel comfortable with for your loved one.
It sounds like your mom is nearing the end of life. It also sounds like you are doing everything you can for her, and that's all you can do. Keep her comfortable. Give her fluids. Sing to her. Hold her hand. Touch her. Rub her gently. Kiss her. Hug her. She can't talk, but she can still feel.
Bless you.
If she stops eating and then drinking as my mom did...make sure hospice uses those stick sponges to help clean out her mouth and make it more comfortable for her...
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And with hospice I had them make sure they called me when I was resting when the signs of her breathing were starting to indicate the end was near...this way I could be by her side as she passed. It was truly an amazing experience. You truly feel the love...and almost have your life with them go before your eyes as it happens. Hugs...she will be okay......concentrate on your being okay and the rest of your family...
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