I found out today that my Mom (88 and ambulatory), who is currently hospitalized, will continue to need a Foley catheter when she is discharged. I have done some some research on what is involved in this process.
I am going to the hospital tomorrow to learn this procedure. I am already sickened by the thought of it. I don't know how to handle medical equipment and I am very unsettled by the whole idea. My mother tends to smell "down there," and I'd rather do just about anything but this.
I am not a natural-born nurse. I never had children, so I haven't even changed a diaper. I am also curious as to how my Mom will respond my doing this, or how I let her and the staff know I REALLY don't think I can (or want to do this.) Just thinking about it makes me shake my head.
I have been helping Mom out with other things, but this?
Don’t take her back home. Hugs 🤗
The worst part is thinking about it, so try to avoid that, if possible. Don’t complain to your Mom / this is both humiliating and can be extremely physically painful for her. She never envisioned or wanted this.
Once people get a certain age (or after women have kids) some type of urinary incontinence can just be a part of life.
If you feel she needs help getting clean, hire a CNA to help with showering.