My father has severe lymphedema with other health issues. He has not slept in his bed for over 2 years and has no interest in returning. He DOES want to resolve or make his issues better but wants me to solve the problem. He claims he is unable to put on compression socks on his own, so wants me to lotion, as well as put the socks on and off daily. Additionally, he would like to use the compression pump but wants my help getting it on and off. The swelling causes pain which he associates with having them elevated which doesn't help. He does not like to be physically uncomfortable for any reason. The weakness can make it difficult for him to rise from the toilet (he is 6 foot 2 inches and 250 lbs). He will yell for me to come help whenever he doesn't feel he can rise but says the use of a rail will make it difficult for him to maneuver when self-cleaning.
In addition to caring for both of my parents, I run a full-time business from my home. While I did agree to care for him, I can not get him to see that he needs to take responsibility for some of his basic care, or lack of participation. It feels as if he would much rather have me take care of the discomfort than try to be self-sufficient. The stress and physicality of pulling around on a large man are taking their toll.
Any advice or experience welcome
While I can't speak to the mental aspect, I can say for sure that donning & removing compression hose can be best be a two-person job, depending of course on the strength & abilities of the wearer. And if they aren't feeling well on top of that, well...that makes it even harder.
I did this for my mom, & they were even hard for me until I found two things that were a game changer:
1. A donning device
2. Wearing rubber gloves
Here's a link to purchase the donning device on Amazon by Ezy As. They come in sizes. We used Med as that's all I had to chose from back then. Mom was a 7.5 shoe; you may need large for your dad.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ezy-as&language=en_US&adgrpid=1236950899017195&hvadid=77309597671249&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=78930&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-77309679898779%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=20172_13429195&tag=txtstdbgdt-20&ref=pd_sl_9o4amafcs3_e
Video showing how to use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHYlwOgzq-c
But way easier if you use rubber gloves. You can "roll" them w/ your heels of your hands or grasp better.
I was shocked how the ppl at her (eventual) facility had never heard of nor seen these.
Hoping it can bless you & others.
He apparently does not want to resolve the issues he is having.
He seems very happy having you at his beck and call.
There are tools that can make putting on compression socks easier.
Get a riser seat for the toilet to make it easier for him to get off. Even if you have an ADA height toilet the riser seat will make it easier. (my Husband was 6 foot 4 and 275)
If your dad is capable of doing things that you are helping him with then he has no incentive to do more for himself.
And if your dad is cognizant you tell him that it is getting more difficult to care for him and that if he can not do these things for himself then you are going to have to start looking for other options.
those could be
Hiring a caregiver
Placing him in Assisted Living.
You should also explain to your mom that she needs to help out a bit more with dad. If mom is not physically or mentally able to do things to help then placing both of them in AL might be the way to get them both the help they need.
" level of care needs" and look at facility placement options that can provide 24/7 care for him. Sounds harsh, but , necessary for your survival.
Cover909
And it will continue and progress until you change the scenario 'somehow.'
There comes a point when you need to stop doing all you are doing.
He sounds like he is 'used to you helping and expects that you will continue to help. In other words, he doesn't 'have to' do anything for himself. Plus, he is (likely) depressed and doesn't care.
If he realizes that you will NOT continue 'helping' as you are, he may change - or he may not.
At some point, you will need to
(1) get caregiver help coming into your home.
(2) let him know he is responsible for his own health care (if he is able to understand this cognitively).
(3) Move him out of the house, as things progress and you cannot manage his care.
(4) Figure out his finances. He may need to go to a nursing home to quality for MediCal.
The bottom line is that 'the more you (continue to) do, the more he will expect you to do.
You are between an emotional rock and a hard place.
These decisions are not easy.
However, the quality of YOUR own health and well-being is important and needs to be your priority, 'too' -
"Try" for a win-win by talking to him, telling him what he needs to do or changes that you will need to make. If he doesn't step up and meet you 'half way,' make other arrangements. If you are not already his POA and/or in charge of his finances / banking / get all that in order ASAP. He needs to pay for a caregiver (if possible). If he doesn't have the money, see what he qualifies for in terms of nursing homes.
Gena / Touch Matters
Just read the responses to your post. I agree with having the doctor order home health. My mom saw significant improvement when she did home health.
I saw where you said that your parents couldn’t afford entering an assisted living facility. Can they afford to hire help from an agency or perhaps a private caregiver?
Have you been in contact with Council on Aging in your area? If your father qualifies, they will provide assistance for him. Help is hired through an agency and they work four hour shifts.
Wishing you all the best as you continue to care for your parents.
Tell Dad, if he is not going to help himself, then eventually its a NH for him. Because you are not capable of caring for him after he becomes dead weight. I suggest a commode in the bathroom he uses.
The bar on the back should be removable, take it off. A new commode should come with a bucket and splash guard. Place the commode over the toilet. (You can remove the toilet seat because the commode has one) Place the splash guard where the bucket goes and make sure the bottom goes down inside the toilet bowl a couple of inches. The legs can be adjusted. Now Dad has arms he can lift himself up with and hold himself up with.
I agree, get an order for PT to come in and evaluate him. I just read exercise is good for this. So he needs to get up and move.
This. How/why did you agree to care for him? If you have siblings, why did you alone agree? What does your spouse say? You could hurt yourself lifting him up from the toilet, especially if you are much smaller.
What is the financial situation of your parents? Are you their POA/HCPOA?
If your father doesn't do more things for himself, what's the next plan? Is the plan for them to live with you until they (or you!) die?
My parents do not have the resources to afford assisted living. I do have a sibling but he is developmentally disabled.
My spouse is supportive of helping them. They have resided in our home for several years. The physical care has only gotten bad recently.
My mother isnt in a great health position herself.
2. Please, if he has the money, hire someone else to do all that. You’ll only get more angry, and you’re right to be angry. You’re being used. And of course, what a surprise, you’re a girl. So many women’s lives ruined and exploited.
Do you have an aide come to help with showering ?
Does Mom need help too ?
Is it possible for you and your spouse to get some respite ? Get away . Either have help stay with your parents or place your parents in a respite facility while you are away ( or if you just staycation at home even , do day trips ) ?
Are you thinking it’s reached the level where it is too difficult to have your parents living with you and would consider assisted living ?
You have to find what options will work best for the situation .
Medicare covers these benefits.