Mattress protection

[Flooz]

Good morning.

Can anyone offer advice or opinion please.

At yesterday's visit to mum at the CH yesterday, I found that their idea of a waterproof cover for the mattress was nothing more than the heavy duty plastic bag the mattress came in, sealed with sticky tape.

I'm not sure if I'm being sensitive or if this is unacceptable. I know because of mum's incontinence the home wanted 'wipe clean' covers for the mattress but I'm sure there are proper mattress covers which are waterproof and wipeable, but still have 'breathable' properties, which must be more comfortable than ordinary plastic under a sheet!

As I said, I'm not sure if I'm just being sensitive or not, so thought I'd ask here.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[danny]

Hi Flooz. I too think this is unacceptable and takes away mums dignity . I would insist the care home provide something more dignified and fit for purpose and there are so many products available.Good luck.

 

[Butter]

of course that is unacceptable. And indeed dangerous as it will provide a breeding ground for infection.
There are many experts on this subject on TP. So far we manage with good quality waterproof mattress covers bought in a reputable department store (never knowingly undersold) but there are more specialised covers which the CH should have on every bed. Others will tell you.

 

[yorkieinlincs]

Hi Flooz,

I had the problem of protecting our bed due to my wife's incontinence and found the solution at this website, if you follow the link:

http://www.allaboutincontinence.co.uk/bed-protection/mattress-covers

I hope it may be of some use for your Mum.

Denis

 

[nmintueo]

Of course it's not good enough.

Reminds me of this discussion:

How to make the bed
http://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/showthread.php?49403

 

[Flooz]

Thank you everyone, at least I know it's not just me that thinks it's unacceptable, and I did wonder if there was any health issue regarding mum's skin not being able to 'breath' depending on the way mum was laying.

I seem to spend half my life complaining to the CH manager these days. Albeit, silly little things, but those things add up. Apart from which, I also feel that as some of the residents don't have family to look out for them, if I don't speak out when I see something, be it with my mum or somebody elses, who knows what would happen.

Now I just need to work out how to bring up this latest incident with them, or I may go out and buy the protector myself to save any awkwardness.

 

[nmintueo]

... or I may go out and buy the protector myself to save any awkwardness.

That would send them the message that you regard this as a 'luxury' that they shouldn't provide. How're they gonna learn that way?

 

[Flooz]

That would send them the message that you regard this as a 'luxury' that they shouldn't provide. How're they gonna learn that way?

I know what you're saying, but I was thinking of then stopping the money from the fees I pay. At the moment, I seem to spend half my time having a 'moan' about something or other, which is something I'd like to avoid, because then I don't get the best out of them at other times. Difficult to express, but hope you understand what I mean.

Only last week I had cause to speak up about something else, and I really wasn't happy with the way it was dealt with, I ended up in tears wishing I'd not said something.

 

[nmintueo]

I know what you're saying, but I was thinking of then stopping the money from the fees I pay. At the moment, I seem to spend half my time having a 'moan' about something or other, which is something I'd like to avoid, because then I don't get the best out of them at other times. Difficult to express, but hope you understand what I mean.

Only last week I had cause to speak up about something else, and I really wasn't happy with the way it was dealt with, I ended up in tears wishing I'd not said something.

Yeah, I do see what you mean, and I certainly don't look forward to facing problems like these. I don't see any easy way of dealing with them.

I imagine if you get it yourself and then try withholding money, any awkwardness you were trying to avoid will come back with a vengeance.

 

[rajahh]

Just an idea. But many years ago I was told a way of being able to say awkward things.

First of all you find something to compliment them for ( hopefully that is possible) for example, it is lovely to see flowers everywhere, makes the place so bright or something similar. then say but I was wondering if there is a reason why there are no proper breathable mattress protectors on, is this just a temporary measure??

I would still be shaking as I said all of that, it certainly is not easy.

Jeannette

 

[FifiMo]

Wouldn't it be dreadfully inconvenient for the home if you went in tomorrow to find that your mum had poked holes in the plastic covering..maybe the rustling has been annoying her perhaps..lalala!!!!! Now what are they going to do - put on a mattress protector I would hope.....


Fiona

 

[Flooz]

Hahaha, well they are terrible at cutting her fingernails! ;-)

Thank you everyone for your help, I feel better for knowing I'm right for not being happy.

 

[Margaret W]

Hello Flooz

Just a point, but usually when carers and rellies are not happy, there is reason. And it needs sorting. And whilst it is comforting to come on here to get confirmation, your first instinct is usually right. So in future, if something doesn't feel good, then it isn't good.

Margaret

 

[Flooz]

Thank you Margaret, I am normally more assertive, but for some reason, I wasn't sure on this issue.

Anyway, I'm pleased to report that I requested the plastic to be removed, and it was, without question or disagreement. Now I'll just keep an eye on how they're protecting the mattress.

 

[jackbreaken]

I am an incontinence patient and can understand your situation completely. I am using a memory foam mattress protector that I had purchased about six months ago from an online website. This pad is quite good and at least protects my mattress from my incontinence.

 

[julientuareg]

Not only is the mattress horribly uncomfortable to lie on but you will find that mould ends up growing inside the plastic as the moisture is contained. There are quite a lot of options available to protect the bed which can be taken off and washed without having to resort to the plastic cover.