The mother doesn’t wear a mask so I’m nervous to ask if I can... but it’s extremely difficult and I’m afraid I might gag. I don’t want to embarrass anyone. Also, isn’t it more hygienic to wear a mask? Bowel movements have air born bacteria...
Any advice?
It’s so funny for me to read the comments written here by people who are so squeamish and grossed out.
When you read their fine print, they aren’t/weren’t really helping with these adult diapers because their loved ones are/were being cared for by others or living in institutions.
Why comment on a thread like this? Perhaps to try want to make those who are faced with this task feel worse, and themselves feel better.
They should start a thread about things they would never do for others instead of answering questions about caregiving.
The truth is, we can all get through any task, no big deal. Just do it!
When I was trying to place my mother in a facility and I was having a tough time, the worse part was listening to some annoying, judgmental propaganda such as "well, they took care of you when you were a baby......". It's not the same. It's tough on the caretaker, and it's a violation of dignity for the elder.
The other situation is when there would be invites to family parties and I would feel pressured to bring my elderly, incontinent, dementia and anxiety riddled mother to the event. I was quite candid and told people, no thank you, but I'd like to enjoy your party and I do not want to spend the whole evening in the toilet with my mother. Period. That shut them right up.
Most people don’t give off “germs” when they change a poopy adults diaper. It’s the other way around.
Essential oils or a drop of vanilla on the mask may help. Also remember to pull your hair back.
I chose not to wear a mask with my DH when I cleaned him, but he wasn't in Adult Briefs. I chose not to wear gloves unless there was a chance of infection, like if I had a cut on my hands. But that was my choice to make.
You do whatever you feel you need to better protect yourself.
Is it rude? You're doing a very unpleasant job - there's no such thing as feeling bad about self protection. my opinion is TS (no pun).