Diaper Dilemna

Bob G

1. Mom is Stage 7 which also includes Incontinence. She has problems with both hips and legs so she’s , for the most part , immobile. During the day she keeps her diaper on (we call them her special underpants) , but while she’s sleeping at night she takes them off almost as fast as I can put them on her. Pull ups or tab type diapers makes no difference. I’ve tried putting sweat pants on too but they come off as well. When attempts to change her while she’s sleeping , or waking her up to do so results in her punching and kicking. She’s sensitive to medications so it doesn’t even take a full dose of 0.25ML liquid Lorazepam to eliminate the combativeness. Even then , the next time I check her , the diaper is hanging from the ceiling fan ( not really ,but it’s off again ). I layer piles of absorbent pads under her and let her sleep but I don’t like her laying on urine soaked pads. Along with this , I only get to nap for 2 hours at a time and am exhausted all day. If anyone has any suggestions , please do share.

harshedbuzz

BobG-

The standard answer to removing incontinence wear is onesies. A one-piece pajama that zips up the back will stop this behavior.

Sleepsuits - Jumpsuits - Women's Adaptive Adaptive Clothing for Seniors, Disabled & Elderly Care (buckandbuck.com)

That said, middle of the night changes would be even more disruptive as they would need to be removed. I know you say you don't like the idea of her laying on urine-soaked pads, but if she is just wet and you've treated her skin with a good barrier cream, she might be OK to be left alone overnight allowing you both better sleep which could result in easier days for you both. Modern materials do a pretty good job of protecting the skin and urine alone isn't an issue for most if her skin is in decent shape. 

Another approach would be to layer absorbent pads (skipping the diaper altogether) and remove the top one when you head to bed if you turn in later than she does. You can buy washable ones that are larger and commit to washing her bedding daily.

HB

May flowers

We have the same issue with my FIL. No fun. We bought a one piece outfit but my DH won’t use it because changing him at night is difficult enough.

I wish they made onesies with snaps down the legs like they do for babies!

harshedbuzz

May flowers wrote:

I wish they made onesies with snaps down the legs like they do for babies!

This would be easy enough to do for someone with basic sewing skills. You could buy pajama pants with a full-cut leg and cut along the inner leg seam through the crotch and sew in snap tape. I suppose a dry cleaner who does alterations would be able to do this if you can't. 

Search results for snap tape at joann.com | JOANN

Bob G

I agree , the onesie would solve one thing and make the other situation even more difficult. I’ll give the barrier cream and layers of pads a try. I’m no stranger to washing her clothes etc.

BethMimi

Thank you Harshedbuzz for the link.  Mom fights like a tiger and gets so upset when I change her top.  I try to pull her arm out of the sleeve while she hangs onto it with a death grip.  I've been trying to find or figure out what I can find something better than a pullover top. The zipper in back is a great idea.