Best bidet, hearing devices

LaurieY89

Hi!

Has anyone gotten a bidet to assist with cleanliness for their loved one with Alzheimer's? My Mom's psychiatrist recommended one because my Mom is refusing to shower and is at risk of skin breakdown. She has moderate Alzheimer's and is unable to keep up with ADL's on her own, but (thankfully) she still knows where she is, who we are, and we are hoping to keep her in the home with my Dad for as long as possible.

My sister and I are trying our best to regularly give my Mom showers or sponge baths, but sometimes she'll go weeks without bathing if we aren't able to visit. A few months ago, we finally found a new caregiver who is amazing and has helped with everything else (socializing, washing hair, brushing teeth, washing hands) but bathing is the one thing she hasn't been able to convince my Mom to do.  A bidet might really help with cleanliness since my Mom is fully incontinent and wears pullups. There are so many bidets out there and this is all new to us. I think one with heated water and a dryer would be best, and also one that's easy enough for her to manage the controls. AND also affordable. (may not exist lol)

Also, my Mom's hearing is very poor and she really struggles with her hearing aids; she doesn't want them in, fumbles with them, they are always buzzing, but without them she can barely hear us. We're researching headphones, specifically a 'pocket talker' which we're hoping might be easier to use and less annoying for her. 

Any recommendations or experience with these would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry we're all here dealing with this terrible disease . It's truly heartbreaking. 

Thank you, 

Laurie

toolbeltexpert

There is a thread on the caregivers spouse you can search for "First try with bidet"  or search for "Ed1937". He has just got one for his dw his has heated water and a dryer. Good luck

MLS2021

I bought the Brondell Swash CL1500 bidet from Costco and we love it. Makes BM's much easier to deal with. It has a heated seat and heated water settings.

The only change I would make is to get one with a remote so I wouldn't  have to stay in the bathroom with her.

Bonus is she hasn't had any UTI's since using  the bidet.

harshedbuzz

LaurieY89 wrote:

A bidet might really help with cleanliness since my Mom is fully incontinent and wears pullups. There are so many bidets out there and this is all new to us. I think one with heated water and a dryer would be best, and also one that's easy enough for her to manage the controls. AND also affordable. (may not exist lol)

I was going to suggest Mayor Ed's thread on introducing his sweet wife to a new bidet, too.

There is no doubt a bidet would help keep her cleaner between bathing/showers. There is also no doubt that a water/dryer seat that isn't "too expensive" exists. A Toto washlet can be had for about $300 if you shop carefully. You'll need a nearby outlet to heat the water. 

But I question how you intend to introduce this new- and to some startling device. Since she's using incontinence panties, does she still use the toilet? Perhaps to change Depends? Does she do that independently or with the help of someone else? 

I would suggest a unit with a handheld remote operated by someone in the bathroom with her as a PWD in the moderate stage is unlikely to 1) remember the new cleaning procedure or 2) learn to operate a new piece of technology. Acceptance of a bidet seems to be about 50% according to the folks in my local support group. 

Also, my Mom's hearing is very poor and she really struggles with her hearing aids; she doesn't want them in, fumbles with them, they are always buzzing, but without them she can barely hear us. We're researching headphones, specifically a 'pocket talker' which we're hoping might be easier to use and less annoying for her. 

I can't speak to a pocket talker, but we had wireless headphones for the TV when dad was still at home and balking at wearing his hearing aids. He could hear better and it saved mom's sanity. His were Sennheisers and were well under $100.

It's truly heartbreaking. 

This is true.

King Boo

I can address the hearing issue, it is my field.

If they are always buzzing, it is a fit issue.  Depending on the style, sound leaks and causes the buzzing which is called feedback.

The buzzing can also be caused by ear canals that are blocked with wax.

Do not rely on her PCP to tell you they are impacted; this is usually blown off and not mentioned unless you ask for her ears to be cleaned.

How old are her hearing aids?  what style are they?

A pocket talker is the sort of thing you can keep around in an emergency, but they are not very practical because your loved one is tethered to the talker with a wire, and the headphones are wired into the pocket talker.  

It's the sort of thing I used to keep for emergency use  at a hospital or office for a hearing impaired patient for basic instructions and case history; but extremely impractical for daily use.

If the aids fit well and are comfortable, most PWD will use them.  It will help with communication.

Find a provider who works with dementia patients; you may investigate a practice that provides an 'unbundled' service model - that is, the hearing aid costs a certain amount and any additional services you add on are fee for service.    bundled pricing is still the norm in some areas.

If they are over 5 or 6 years old, it may be time for new ones. 

You will pay more than you need to at national chains.  F

ChHodge

Sorry to hear that Laurie. I know how hard is to make our parents get used to gadgets. When we first chose the hearing aid supplies for my dad, he also couldn't get used to them. Now, when we found the ones that suit him, he's comfortable. We addressed https://audiologyisland.com/online-shop/ for help. Hope you'll find smth comfortable for your mom too!