Incontinence, Bladder Cancer and 95 Year Old Dad - HELP
My poor pop is struggling with all the complications of his cancer. No treatment because of advanced age and his wishes. He is still at home and we all take care of him. We finally got his catheter under control and now he is having uncontrollable diarrhea. Waiting for doctor advice but in the meantime, any suggestions on how to help would be greatful. Just an FYI - We have managed the diet portion to help control it but it is the containment part we need help with. Thank you in advance for any help you can suggest. Carolyn
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I have a disabled son and we had to do a bowel cleanse on him. We went to Home Depot and purchased a roll of that plastic sheeting that they put down in homes that are for sale. It sticks to your carpet or floor but does no harm. Ours was the width of a hallway. At least it may be more easy to clean up. Otherwise, will he use a portapotty like they have at the hospital which could be located by his bed?
Thanks for your reply. My dad has just moved on to hospice and can no longer get out of bed. We will keep him with is so he can die at home with his family. We now just routinely clean up after every bm. Thanks to everyone for your care and advice.
@bluesplashgirl I am so sorry to hear that your dad has moved to hospice. I know it is difficult for you but they will offer support and make sure that your dad is comfortable. When you refer to ‘we’ , is that your mother? I certainly hope that all of you will take care of yourselves and each other at this difficult time. I’m sending a cyber hug to you
We includes brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, step mother, all of us. He is being well loved and cared for as he leaves us. Thank you for the hug and love.
@bluesplashgirl . I too am sorry. Prayers for you and yours.
One of my neighbors works for Home Instead. The family of the disabled elder person calls Home Instead, and after a meeting, they decide who would work best with the person. She does all of those things .... feeds him, cleans up his bowel messes and bladder messes (which are daily), gives him or her a bath, plays games with him, reads to him, puts him to bed at night, and everything a family member would do, but it allows them some free time to be away. Sometimes she is with a patient for full days, sometimes only 4-5 hours. She's got several families she does this for. I don't know how much these places charge, but it might be worth looking into. I've also seen ads for Visiting Angels, which is much like Home Instead.
abby
Thank you to everyone. My beautiful father passed away quietly in his own home and in his own bed early this Palm Sunday. Thank you for your comments and suggestions. XOX, Carolyn
@bluesplashgirl. I am so sorry for all of you. But, I will say, that your father knew he was loved to the end. Cyber hug to your family. Becky
@bluesplashgirl Carolyn, it's not easy losing a parent. While you were the caregiver, you are also the child. Cherish the loving memories and be kind to yourself as you and your family navigate the next days during these unprecedented times.
If and when you wish to talk, please join members who get it in the Loss & Grief group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/
Sending you a virtual shoulder to lean on in the meantime.