Colin unable to sit up without flipping backwards and I am unable to get him out of bed to the commode.
So
My problem is if he is wearing a adult diaper and poos in that, how do I clean him up.
He can’t bend his legs and keep them there, he can’t lift his bottom off the bed, he can’t turn on side even with help, he is forcing himself back, so impossible for me to even see his bottom.
Am I being stupid and missing something here.
Please if you have had experience tell me how I clean him up without covering everything in poo.
Thanks in advance to anyone who offers some advise ideas!!
Love and hugs Helen xxx
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Helen119
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It sounds as if his care may have moved to the two person stage. If not then it has certainly stepped up considerably.
I would strongly suggest that you get an OT in urgently. They may well be able to show you a technique.
Do you have slide sheets? They sound essential for what you are trying to do. Also absorbent pads to roll him onto as you clean him up. I have seen care staff do this and they are fairly skilled at it.
When it starts you really need to click the gear icon bottom right and set it to plat at 1.5 speed... I think it has been recorded at a speed that a neanderthal can take it in!
Thank Kevin the videos were good, but Colin can’t roll onto side, and if I try push him over his body is pushing himself back, he can’t bend his legs and keep them there either. Today I coped and cleaned him up and also changed the bed with him in it, I will get used to it and hopefully find better ways that suit Colin.
The OTs are coming tomorrow, I believe and mobile hoist is coming, then once delivered I will ring them and they will come out from hospice and see if Colin will tolerate it.
Also consultant from the hospice has Colin on urgent list to go in during this week, as a crisis stay, as she wants to assess Colin urgently, as they feel they are not doing the best they can for him when they just come to our home for half hour.
So good news has come from my upset today, thank you for responding it’s. I’ve to know people are listening.
I have been where you're at with dad. What I ended up doing was letting him stay on his back and bend his legs up at the hips, even if he were to force down by arching his back, the legs still went up. Use bed pads, either washable or disposable, and after he is cleaned up roll the messy half up, shove it up by lower back. Let the legs down, put new Depends on and help into a somewhat sitting position then remove the bed pad from behind him, pull up back of Depends. There were times when it was bad enough I'd let his legs rest on my shoulders/neck to get both hands free.
Just make sure you have all your "cleaning stuff" within reach before you start.
At this stage the hospice sent a team to do all the changes. They were so efficient using slide sheets etc. It was so much better for Chris because he was able to cooperate by " cuddling " one nurse whilst the other cleaned him and it maintained his dignity. I take it you have an air mattress etc to avoid pressure sores ?
We never used a hoist as by this stage he was very weak.
My thoughts are with you. Its so upsetting to manage. love, Jean xx
Helen, thank you so much for asking this question, I am dealing with a similar situation , so I understand exactly what you mean. Kevin is correct about the slide sheet or absorbent pads. Unfortunately , they sometimes get wet or soiled also and have to be pulled out half way through a change. I roll and hold my husband on one side, barely able to clean him , and then must lay him flat and roll him the other way. It is hard on him and he hates it.
Getting new pants on him is also a chore. Honestly , I dread getting him dressed and undressed each morning and evening . If you come up with any good tips, let me know.
Had same situation myself, but never had to deal with it on my own.
My husband lost use of back muscles suddenly, legs collapsed and then he could not support himself sitting the bed, so fell backwards. Seems to be a typical progression. Neurologist was eager to demonstrate lack of control to his medical students.
Sounds like you need to ask for help urgently too!
I remember my hubby seemed frightened when he was rolled at first. Could have something to do with inner ear, but he was obviously afraid of falling, or simply that he knew he was unable to control any effect. Carers need to take this into account.
Slider sheets are very useful and can be thrown into wash. Hospital bed would also make the task easier.
That is one tough situation on your own. Glad the OT and hospice are on their way.
I did not have to deal with the poo situation after my love could not stand. As our home was not suitable for wheelchairs and wet room, I had to get him into hospital under an urgency clause as this was the only way I could manage the sudden progression.
My thoughts are with you. Hope you find a way to keep managing at home.
Helen you are doing an amazing job. The toiletting us one of the reasons I could not manage John at home as I struggled to hold him up with one hand and change etc with the other. Hope the OT comes up with some advice. I cannot turn John either just not strong enough and he cannot lift his backside or put his legs up. Love Pauline x
It's a tricky situation isn't it, Ben was on slide sheets, I put a soft waterproof mattress cover and disposable bed pads under him. I could then remove without the slide sheets getting soiled. It made it easier to remove wet or soiled disposable pads when Ben was hoisted and not have to strip the entire bed. In his last days I just let him lay on pads rather than try to put the whole thing on and left his bottom half naked, and just put the duvet over him, I found this worked well and I didn't have to disrupt him so much as it was almost impossible to get the pad between his tightly locked thighs. I think it is very dependent on how rigid and which part of the body is affected most, I'm sure the OT will be able to give the best advise and you can then adapt it and get more competent with practice. I did have double up carers twice a day (was to be three times but he passed away before that happened) and that made sure he was cleaned properly each day as it's very difficult to do that on your own. Best of luck Pauline, you are doing a wonderful job.
Thank you for your response, I have now got bed pads, Colin’s legs are quite rigid so sounds similar, I’ve now done it once and know I can manage so feel a bit more confident about it all now.
Helen, how do you manage to get him into bed. I find that a struggle too. I must hVe help from one of my sons . Even then, we sit him and have to lift him legs and turn him. The pads etc. get turned and bunched underneath him. It just adds to the difficulty.
Karyn, when I’m getting him back into bed sounds very similar to you, from commode to bed, I almost just yank him in under his arm and then like you turn legs up and in, and yes everything gets caught up. I have a nylon slide sheet it’s about 3ft by 4ft, it’s 2 layers of a nylon sort of material, which I put under him to slide him up the bed, difficult , just have to do it.
You are facing things we have never done before. I cleaned up a poop mess tonight. Gene is still able to stand while I wipe him off and then help him get into the shower so I can’t offer any help. He has lost control and sometimes fills his diaper before getting to the toilet. He can stand by the walker with legs spread will I do the rest. I know the day will come when I will have to clean him up in bed and my heart goes out to you. It is so hard and I wonder if I have the strength. Sending hugs dear lady. Nancyxxx
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