Bedridden

LongBee2021

I anticipate my dad being bedridden within the next 6 months. My prediction is that by April he will be pretty well unable to walk.He is already so weak and struggling to walk. We're keeping him as active and up on his feet as we can, but inevitably he will not be walking soon.

Are there any sorts of tools or products I should start buying ahead of time? Like special pillows or wash basins, etc.? What did you find was most helpful once your loved one became bed ridden. He already has the mechanical bed, the rising recliner, 2 types of walkers, and 2 types of wheelchairs. I want to be as prepared as I possibly can be to make that transition. 

Kibbee

Some additional tools that may be helpful:  

• A slide board to make it easier to transition in and out of the wheelchair.   
• A bedrail that slides in between the mattress and box spring.  It will give him something to grab onto as he transitions in or out of the bed.
• A gait belt with handles (Medline makes one) so that you have something to hold on to / hold him up when you are helping him transition or walk.  
• A bedside toilet that can easily be moved from place to place in the house.  This will allow  him to have access to a toilet with only a short transition from his bed / lift chair or wheelchair.  
• A small bed tray with folding legs so he can easily eat a meal in bed.  You can also use the tray, along with a large plastic bowl and a jug of water, to allow him to brush his teeth in bed.
• A full coverage waterproof mattress protector - one that goes completely around the mattress.
• Quik Sorb washable bed protector pads.   I have two, (in cotton not poly), so that one can be in the wash while the other is on the bed.  

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LongBee2021

Thank you Kibbee! He has everything you listed except the slide board and bed tray. I never would have considered those!

LongBee2021

Victoria - I haven't called hospice yet. I have been researching different hospices but I can't bring myself to actually call. I think I am just not ready to make that call yet. I didn't know they could provide some supplies for us though! Hopefully soon I will call and have him evaluated. I think I just feel like once I call hospice it's all over and downhill from there

NizhoniGrrl

Hospice can be a godsend. They are there to be supportive for YOU and the patient. They don't speed up death; in fact people statistically live longer the earlier hospice is involved. I've only had good experiences (sadly more than once). I encourage you to bring them in sooner rather than later. In addition to helping with hygiene and supplies, they can also provide support for you connecting you to resources.

live in daughter

Hi- after my Mom could no longer walk we got a Sit To Stand machine- which was from hospice. It allowed us to move my Mom from recliner to wheel chair to bed to commode.

It was like a ski tow lift- it gently lifted my Mom up into a standing position and then we would move her. 

I agree with hospice suggestion. They can provide equipment , supplies, and other services. My Mom was on in home hospice for just about 3 years.

Hope this helps