Hi All,I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options.
Optimally the bed is:1) comfortable for mom to sleep - her mobility is declining, but she still gets up. she is recovering from a UTI and we are moving her downstairs2) Accessible/convenient for her caregivers3) Not super duper ugly, so it appears as close to like furniture to her4) will possibly be used as her condition continues to progress
Ideally, some suggestions for makes/models --- I've googled this a bunch and see all the various possibilities and reviews, but wonder if you have a great option you can share!
THANK YOU!!lindsay
I like the lazyboy idea!
Thank you!
I'd rent one, don't buy. And before I'd rent one, I'd have mom evaluated for hospice, because they provide the bed. Also, if it's not working in mom's situation, they'll bring a better one.
I'd want a lift recliner as well. The patient can spiral downhill very fast, and you might as well save yourself the problem of shopping again and again as her needs increase.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient until the end is very, very difficult. "Oh, but we love her and promised we'd never dump her in one of those horrible awful miserable 'homes.'" You might change your mind about that. Have Plan B in mind in case you need it.
The plan is to buy a high-low bed as well as a lift-recliner, my friend who is a hospice worker says Mom won't qualify at this stage, but obviously, that is changing rapidly also. Renting is about $200/month and buying is around $1500 in her area. I will look around more, thank you for your insights!
For me, it's not about avoiding a skilled nursing home or MC, it's about providing the highest level of care for her physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and having one-on-one care at home with PT and OT and familiarity is where we are at right now.
Many thanks!
My mom also napped in her lift recliner, which was in the den. She seemed comfortable. A baby monitor was used to keep an eye on her but also give her some peace and quiet.
A bed that fully raises higher than the average height can be helpful when changing a bedbound LO becomes necessary, so that leaning over doesn't become hard on the back.
Now my mom is in her bed full time. She eats meals there using a bed tray with the back raised up. Then at night the entire bed is lowered and flat, in case she tries to get up. She uses two pillows.
I agree that hospice can provide a bed. They also provided my mom with a table on wheels that fits over her bed.
Washable bed toppers can be added for comfort. And lots of "chux"--waterproof pads for accidents. And a side rail that can lower.
We ended up getting two sets of sheets, for when one is in the wash. And various blankets, as my mom's temp seems to change often.
I hope you find what works for you.