Hi again,
I am currently looking to install additional safety aids in the home, to safeguard my Mum from falling.
As mentioned on previous postings, my Mum has AD and her mobility is not very good and worsens considerably whenever she contracts further urinary infections. One of the most difficult problems I have with Mum is toileting. For many years prior to having AD she had mental health problems; in particular an abhorrence of going to the toilet, and obsessional hand-washing. Although the hand-washing has lessened, she still puts off toileting for as long as possible!
When taken to the toilet it can take Mum as long as an hour or more for her to finish; she sits pleating her clothing or pulling the toilet paper off the role like the Andrex puppy!
During the time she is in the toilet I continually go up and down to check if she has finished - leaving the stair lift seat across the top of the stairs. Recently, I had just checked on her - she said she had not finished - so I was just on my way back downstairs when I heard the toilet door open. Before I could dash back up she fell backwards into the bathroom. Fortunately she didn't bang her head; just had a sore bottom for a couple of days. I think it shook me up more than Mum!
Since the fall I have stayed outside the toilet waiting for her to finish. The problem is that some days, she can have 2/3 attempts before she finally finishes; so I can end up spending more than 3 hours a day sat outside the toilet!
I have searched the Internet for possible safety aids I could buy to alleviate this problem and ensure Mum's safety. I have come across some toilet sensors which fit onto the toilet seat. When the person attempts to rise a warning is transmitted. You can also emit a recording, warning the person not to get up etc. In addition, I have seen palm held LCD baby monitors together with baby monitor cameras. As an additional safeguard, there are mats with sensors inside which emit an alarm when stood on; and you can also record a message to warn against standing up.
Before purchasing the above I wondered whether any of you have had experience of such aids. If so, could you please advise me of their suitability/ success in preventing falls. I should also be pleased to learn of any other aids available other than those mentioned. Your help would be greatly appreciated in this matter.
In conclusion, has anyone got a solution to preventing Mum from constantly kicking the duvet off her bed! She gets very agitated at times and continually moves her legs up and down. We are having to keep checking on her during the night to re-cover her to ensure she doesn't get cold. Has anyone else encountered this problem, and if so, did you find a solution?
I am currently looking to install additional safety aids in the home, to safeguard my Mum from falling.
As mentioned on previous postings, my Mum has AD and her mobility is not very good and worsens considerably whenever she contracts further urinary infections. One of the most difficult problems I have with Mum is toileting. For many years prior to having AD she had mental health problems; in particular an abhorrence of going to the toilet, and obsessional hand-washing. Although the hand-washing has lessened, she still puts off toileting for as long as possible!
When taken to the toilet it can take Mum as long as an hour or more for her to finish; she sits pleating her clothing or pulling the toilet paper off the role like the Andrex puppy!
During the time she is in the toilet I continually go up and down to check if she has finished - leaving the stair lift seat across the top of the stairs. Recently, I had just checked on her - she said she had not finished - so I was just on my way back downstairs when I heard the toilet door open. Before I could dash back up she fell backwards into the bathroom. Fortunately she didn't bang her head; just had a sore bottom for a couple of days. I think it shook me up more than Mum!
Since the fall I have stayed outside the toilet waiting for her to finish. The problem is that some days, she can have 2/3 attempts before she finally finishes; so I can end up spending more than 3 hours a day sat outside the toilet!
I have searched the Internet for possible safety aids I could buy to alleviate this problem and ensure Mum's safety. I have come across some toilet sensors which fit onto the toilet seat. When the person attempts to rise a warning is transmitted. You can also emit a recording, warning the person not to get up etc. In addition, I have seen palm held LCD baby monitors together with baby monitor cameras. As an additional safeguard, there are mats with sensors inside which emit an alarm when stood on; and you can also record a message to warn against standing up.
Before purchasing the above I wondered whether any of you have had experience of such aids. If so, could you please advise me of their suitability/ success in preventing falls. I should also be pleased to learn of any other aids available other than those mentioned. Your help would be greatly appreciated in this matter.
In conclusion, has anyone got a solution to preventing Mum from constantly kicking the duvet off her bed! She gets very agitated at times and continually moves her legs up and down. We are having to keep checking on her during the night to re-cover her to ensure she doesn't get cold. Has anyone else encountered this problem, and if so, did you find a solution?