When mom was at the apartment, she started to sleep on the recliner but she never told me why. At the MC where she is, I was told that she sat on the bed but doesn't like the pillows. I haven't bought the new ones yet. Not sure if it would really matter. I was told that some older people prefer the recliner over the bed because it's more comfortable? As long as she gets sleep, that is all that I care about. One of the caregivers told me that maybe the reason why she does that if there is an emergency, she can get up faster than in the bed. It was just a guess. Does anyone else have that issue with their parents?
All the same it's not ideal, not least because if she's in that posture all day and all night she may be at risk of developing pressure sores. Does she get up and move about plenty, during the day? Is her bed at the MC adjustable (I think they're called 'profiling' beds) so that the head could be raised for her?
My dad had congestive heart failure plus had suffered a fall injuring his ribs. While he never said so, I do believe he was able to breath better in the recliner. I think as well, that the recliner provided more overall body support. Plus, with his ribs continuing to bother him I think it was less painful to get up from the recliner than his bed.
I worried about it though - his recliner was pretty rickety. So, I bought him a new “lift” recliner with all the bells and whistles - one being an adjustable lumbar support feature.
Towards the final few months of his life - after going on formal Palliative Care (and later Hospice) - a hospital bed was brought in. It had the adjustable features of being able to lay in a more upright position, which again - was important for easing his breathing as his lungs regularly filled with water.
If the memory care folks will allow it - let your mom sleep in her recliner if that’s what she wants and it’s her best mode for a good nights rest. If you’re worried that it might be harming her physically- and she can afford it - buy her a new recliner. I just bought a “regular” recliner for my hubby and it has a lot of the features my dads fancy - and expensive- lift recliner had at a fraction of the price.
I notice that I tend to sleep better and for longer in the recliner than any bed.
Getting up may be a factor since it’s easier to get up from a seated position than from lying down, though can’t say that is why in my case .
Hospice suggested a hospital bed many times,but Mother refused.
As long as she was happy with it,I didn't care.
This is a sensitive point for me because I ran into disagreements with my POA sister over spending on my mother's care; and my sister, during one conversation, did say right out "... and if she dies, the money will be wasted."
But for as long she doesn't die, she'll be comfortable and safer, and then the money won't be such a waste, will it?
First of all, though: whose money are you spending on these items? It should be your mother's money, and then it shouldn't be such a priority. If you're having to spend your own money, then maybe there would be other ways to source the equipment she needs if you can get someone to prescribe it for her.
But anyway, the furniture your mother spends almost all her time on is not the best place for economies.
We bought mom one when she wa 88. She used it until she died at 94.
You have said that mom is healthy other than her mild dementia.