Morning all, long story short, Mum has Parkinson’s, had UTI which caused mobility probs, admitted to hospital and has done 3 weeks in rehab, last few days seems more like herself but she is nervous about returning home. She’s also had delirium which has shifted sleeping patterns so she’s up in the night. Was diagnosed with mild Parkinson’s dementia, but rehab team have said there’s capacity there and she’s doing good. Any tips to ease us into our new normal? Dad had vascular dementia before we lost him, so I’m aware it’s a rollarcoaster, but equally want to be supportive but have boundaries. What's the best way to use the carers? We’ve been doing it ourselves aside from a companion 3 times a week for an hour. Mum will likely struggle with not doing as much for herself and has been reluctant to use carers previously. I think my question is more for me to adapt to having help!!! I've learnt so much from this forum, so appreciate any advice. Thanks
my dad has carers in four times a day
so morning is morning hospital wash ( couple of cheap plastic wash basins - sone flannels - we use white fur face n body and dark for private area)
liquid bath wash to add to the water - I also put half a capful of settle disinfectant - disposable gloves
disposable panties and also incontinence pads to pop into panties
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towels- I bought an open slimline wardrobe and put everything into baskets to locate easy
top shelf new bed sheets and towels
Wet wipes soaked in water to firstly wipe private area
( carers do that) and soft fusses to it dry - plus dr should prescribe barrier cream to stop any rashes in private and bum area and sone body moisture cream
The carers shd wash your parent - I stay in The room passing them stuff and emptying the water
carers shd change bedsheets
and put moisturiser cream on parents body paying attention to pressure points feet/heels / elbows
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lunchtime they return change the incontinence pads that’s been out inside the incontinence pants/panties - take out ( carers) wipe down fresh cream
same at early evening about 4pm
then same again at about 7pm
You can help getting supplies and gave them organised fir each visit
passing them cleaning wipes wet in water (your wash bowls)
i stay in the room to ensure they wash dad properly and don’t be heavy handed with him
Maybe have a schedule for each week/month on when you want sheets changed ( we use waterproof mattress protector: water proof pillow protectors - waterproof duvet covers
they’re not line years ago crinkly noise
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when you want nails cut and hair washed
let the carers do the heavy work
when you trust them you can maybe rest a bit on their visits
your job could- also include getting the days tablets ready
sounds a lot
But when you establish a routine it’s manageable
Really, it depends what your mom's limitations/abilities are.
If you want to be supportive, but establish boundaries now, start now with having professional caregivers provide the help your mom needs at home, so you can focus your time on "visiting" with her. Instead of being the person she calls on when she needs help getting out of bed in the middle of the night, or to change soiled briefs, or to help her cook something, clean the house,.... etc.
Also, make sure someone is providing some sort of physical therapy - that is, exercise at her ability level to prevent her getting weaker.
I would definitely remain there for the first few times the people come in. That way they know you are keeping an eye out but also you get a feel for how they work with your mom. Also you can tell them what needs to be done. You can ask what they are allowed to do and not allowed to do. Make a list of things that need to be done to see what you can easily give to them to do.
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Leave the house when the Carers are working to allow them to function on their own with Mom.