My husband is 86; I am 71 and in good health. He has had this problem developing for the past 15 years but is still able to live independently with me. We are relying on some paid help and some family and volunteer help. I'm looking for comments from others who have similar challenges and hope to get some good ideas of how to make this as workable as possible for as long as possible.
Here are some websites which show you what's on the market, from grab bars to bath lifts, from slings to transfer boards, from trapeze stands to hydraulic lifts:
ucanhealth
1800wheelchair
health-mobility
Medically necessary equipment purchases might be covered by insurance, check with provider. Medical equipment stores can probably help you determine this.
Have you ever had a PT or OT come into your home and give advice about what can be done to make life easier for both of you? Do you need a customized van? A hoyer lift? A ramp to the front door? These professionals know of devices I'd never heard of. If you haven't had this service, or if your husband's needs have changed since then, ask his doctor to order such a visit.
Good luck to you both!
RR
- My dad has worn an external catheter at night for years rather than trying to get up by himself with a walker and risking a fall or wearing a brief and pads that would be soaked by morning. Last year, however, he started developing too much skin irritation and redness to continue to wear an external catheter and we were stuck.
But Googling 'alternative to condom catheter', I found Men's Liberty (BioDerm, Inc.), a different kind of external catheter that fits on the tip of the penis only. It uses a material called hydrocolloid, which is often used for wound treatments, instead of using latex or silicone. His Men's Liberty catheters are completely covered by Medicare (with a letter of necessity from his doctor) and the product has been like a miracle for us. (I believe it is also sometimes covered by the VA but was told only for active military personnel.) Note: We found that a few tips for wearing his MensLiberty successfully are: 1) use the BioPlus towelette as soon as you open the package and before it dries out, 2) dry thoroughly before proceeding, and 3) when applying the daisy pedals and the long strips, spend extra time on the underside--this is where it really needs to stick. I got great support and tips from this company's customer service folks.
- Adult day care for my dad by a widely-respected local organization has been of great benefit to both my parents-- the daily exercise and mental stimulation for Dad, the social aspect, the support and advice from staff, and more. Every hour on the hour clients get up and move to another activity room--very important for someone with mobility issues--so my dad was never sitting on his posterior for long periods of time during the day. And they would take him to the bathroom at scheduled times--typicaly 10:30, immediately after lunch, and 2:30 p.m.-- so he seldom was wet. Perhaps this routine Mon-Fri is part of what has helped him retain his daytime continence. Adult day care gave my mom some regular hours away from the house--so needed and beneficial. Only recently since having the shingles has my dad stopped going to adult day care and we miss those dear folks.
- I recently started using slide sheets to help move my dad up/down/left/right in bed and avoid skin tears. We use a much smaller version in the SUV to help him maneuver in his seat. (However, I've found I really have to be careful where I place the sheet under him--i.e. not close to the edge of the bed or SUV passenger seat--and not turn my back for even a second--or he could easily slip off and possibly fall. For safety's sake I remove the sheet as soon as we're done maneuvering, too.)
- I recently found a heavy-duty SLIDING transfer bench that can be used in my dad's shower (which he would otherwise have to enter by stepping over a 4-inch-high step). We put two bench legs outside the shower and two legs inside the shower. We then help him sit down on the bench from his walker, he moves his feet inside, and we slide the seat into the shower. (We've been leaving the cut-out part of the seat in and placing a folded, heavy bath towel beneath him, for cushioning.
- A ROHO cushion for the living room recliner and wheelchair has been very helpful after it was noticed Dad had developed a purple area on his buttocks from sitting so much (he's been on his feet less and in his recliner more since having the shingles last fall and increasing unsteadiness and balance problems.) Staying on top of skin issues in general has been very important.
- My dad has severe hammertoes and neuropathy, and regular foot exams and nail care from a podiatrist and special inserts from an orthotist has been a necessity. He's recently started wearing an AFO 'noodle' brace for his foot drop. Not only is this helping him pick up his foot better but his gait has improved. The thing was fitted to go inside the shoe and doesn't even show under pants, and Dad's been fine with wearing it daily.
- Life balance: You sound like a proactive type of person. Staying on top of things should be a great help. It's worth taking time to put together a plan that will work well for everyone and adjusting it when needed and as things change. Very best wishes.
karenqk- how are you doing with your husband? There are lots of mobility aids out there that could help you and your husband- it is especially important for you not to be injured. Check out abledata or contact me if you want suggestions.