Do you have tips about caring that might help others. not the get some time out type tips but actual functioning tips of things you know or found out by accident whilst caring for your loved one
My super tip is when you clean a commode, if you place a piece of toilet tissue in the bottom of the commode and tip a little disinfectant on top it not just cleans but smells better than what it could smell like!
Need to scent the room after a smelly incident? Put a little fabric softener in a large bowl and pour on hot water (boiling if it is safe to do so) then place it near the area and soon the room will be blessed with a much sweeter fragrance.
I also found an amazing sanitary bin that disposes of incontinence pads without smells (OK I am obsessed about smells I admit it) google easiseal or sangenic....such a simple idea and brilliant for stopping that ghastly odour leaking into a room.
If you have trouble with bins (and we have 3 dotted around the flaming room) try taping a brown paper bag to a table and they can dispose of tissues easily
Alternatively hang an old shoulder bag that is no longer usable over the arm of the chair
Worried about spills on the carpet use a length of clear plastic under the commode but remember to sanitise that too
Home made sanitiser anyone? Get a little squeeze tube with a removable lid - ( I use the travel cosmetic tubes) and add the following: 3 TB aloe vera, 2 TB witch hazel or rubbing alcohol (I like witch hazel and moreover Mum does it reminds her of her childhood, if you do opt for alcohol reduce to 1 TB, ½ tsp vitamin E oil
16 drops tea tree essential oil 5% dilution, 8 drops lavender essential oil 5% dilution. Shake and use but remember it is only for when soap and water ISNT available - there is no substitute for proper hand washing.
Sorted
So get your thinking caps on - what little tricks do you use to make life a tiny bit easier/cheaper/pleasant
My mom is always cold, so we have light throws on almost all the sitable furniture backs. She can just grab one and wrap up. Plus they are easily washed if the cat / dog sheds on them.
Sippy cups were a "spill saver" when dad was still with us.
If you have a bedside commode and your bedroom is carpeted I can imagine the frustration of trying to keep the carpet clean. Try putting down one of those heavy weight floor protectors meant to go under office chairs, they are a good size and won't curl up so they won't be a tripping hazard.
Put a little witch hazel, touch of hair conditioner, in spray bottle with water. Spray, brush or comb your hair on the way to answer the door.
Label all your spray bottles, so as not to mix them up.
Wipe the bum, put in miniature fold-over sandwich bags, toss in trash.
. (Note: the senior cannot close the zip-lock bags.)
Use larger baggies for disposing of depends. But then that increases the cost,
Depends upon how big the baggie.
Thanks, Jude for starting this thread!