Dad has dementia that is getting worse so I don’t know that he would remember to use a call button pendant or wrist BUT his memory care facility doesn’t use them or anything similar. Dad used a wrist button frequently when he was in assisted living a few months ago. Anyway dad still is continent and hates to use the diaper but has no way to call for help. His voice is very soft and low so I doubt he can yell loud enough to get them in there. When I’m visiting he will always tell me he needs to go and I’ll track down help. I can imagine that most in memory care are not concerned about diapers or call buttons and it might not be long before dad is the same way. But for now I feel like they aren’t offering a good solution. What do other memory cares do? I could buy something I suppose like a personal keychain alarm. Even a big school bell might work.
The day before yesterday a client took one look at me and called out to her husband to come and help her mobilise. "Problem?" I asked. "Look at you. You'll never get me off this bed." I sighed inwardly and got her off the bed.
The point is that if mobilising requires "a strong guy or two strong women" you are doing it wrong (and potentially putting your client at risk, never mind yourself). As a matter of fact I am a lot stronger than I look, but that really isn't the point: moving and handling are all about technique, and nothing at all to do with physical strength.
Supporting a client with standing and walking progresses thus:
verbal prompting
minimal physical support with assistance of one person (AO1)
minimal physical support (AO2)
plus use of mobility equipment such as profiling beds, riser-recliners, bed sticks, stand aids, turntables and so on
So that until your father loses the ability even to maintain a standing position with his bottom resting on paddles, it will be possible to transfer him to a wheeled commode. He can then either use the commode, or the commode minus its bucket can be pushed to the bathroom and positioned over the toilet.
And in fact, I myself used a hoist to transfer my mother to a commode. So that, in fact again, as long as your father is continent and able to ask for support with toileting in time, there is no reason for him to be forced to "go" in his pad.
I appreciate knowing what other places do while the patient still feels the urge
They also have no call buttons, as I assume half the resident would be pushing them all the time, and the other half (my mother) wouldn't have the slightest idea what they're for.
See All Answers