@judimahoney My hubby has lost the ability to feel/understand that he has to go. He has diabetes, so I’m concerned about his skin integrity. They’re supposed to check him every 2 hours, but people are people, things come up, etc. The facility provides briefs, but, in my opinion, they’re a low quality product.
I asked around with the aide staff and everyone agreed that (surprise!) the Maker’s Mark brand at Sam’s Club is the best! I was told the facility used to buy those. At one aide’s suggestion, I also buy day and night pads at Walmart, which go into the briefs, like a sanitary napkin would. They work really well, especially for overnight. That way he doesn’t wake up soaked. I don’t want them to wake him during the night for a change.
For Connect friends with loved ones in any facility, it’s very important to be friendly and supportive with the aide, kitchen, and janitorial staff- learn their names, say “Hi” with a smile to whoever you see, compliment them on something, anything. Always be pleasant with the admin staff, check in every visit even if it’s just to wave or poke your head through the door and say “Hi”.
Then, when you do have a complaint or need something fixed, they will all try their best to help. We had my mom also in this facility until she passed. My sister-in-law is someone, who, unfortunately, can be critical and unpleasant to those she considers beneath her in status. One of the nurses told me that when they saw her coming in, everyone would scatter.
I think it’s important to also learn their names of the residents who are usually out and about, when you pass by to get to your loved one. So many people have family who live away or don’t visit often, I greet everyone I pass, often a lot as his room is past the main sitting area. Greeting people says, “I see YOU. You count”