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A person who has been self catheterizing at home has now reached the point where they have entered a nursing home, and the nurses have vetoed the methods used by this person (with reason) and have placed a foley instead. Is this reasonable, or should staff work harder at finding a way for this person to continue IC?

The more times you cath a person the much larger the risk for an infection. I agree with the nurses.

This person no longer lives at home but in a facility where they have to be strict about infections caught at the facility.
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Reply to anonymous1784938
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As a retired RN, I agree completely with Southernwaver.
Certainly you can, if you are determined to (and why WOULD you be), check other facilities in the area that will accept this gentleman. I doubt that you will find them, but if this is his and your wish it is possible to try.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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cwillie Oct 23, 2024
It's a woman, but that really only matters because that's one of the reasons her ability to self cath is more difficult.
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I've been reading up on this and best practices from the Canadian Urological Association is intermittent catheterization if at all possible (and it is indeed accepted as a worldwide standard of care). The problem of course is her inability to continue with this without help (for reasons beyond her control), and the unwillingness of either party to be flexible. The worry of course is which method is healthiest and most sustainable over the long term - she's got a long term disability and is not an elder close to the end of life.
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This explains when it is appropriate to use either an intermittent or an in dwelling catheter.

Is she incontinent or is there another reason why she needs this?

https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/cauti/summary-of-recommendations.html
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cwillie Oct 23, 2024
I'm reluctant to tell you what she has because it may be identifying, but it is a condition that affects motor neurons with symptoms similar to MS. It's my understanding that she can't empty her bladder at all without a catheter.
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cwillie: Be careful of infection with a number of catheterizations.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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This is a question to ask the doctor and not the forum. There are risks with any type of catheterization - mostly injury with improper technique and infection. If the SNF does not have staff to provide IC often enough throughout the day, then a foley catheter is probably the only option.
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Reply to Taarna
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Thanks everyone, I was just fishing for opinions from the nurses on the forum. The issue is resolved (or at least my part in it is)
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Llamalover47 Oct 30, 2024
cw: You're welcome.
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