I'm looking for a wireless incontinence monitoring system for my 94 yr old mother who lives in an ALF. Ideally, it would:
Be discreet since urinary and fecal incontinence without actually coming in contact with it
Send an alert when the incident occurs
Maintain a timestamp log of when an incident occurs and when it is addressed (adult garment changed)
Background:
My mother had occasional 'accidents' before suffering a fall a year ago which required surgery and a 3 month stay in rehab. While there, the nursing staff catheterized her (explaining that incontinence was to be expected in a woman of her age). When she transitioned to an ALF, the nursing manager recommended incontinence care (diapers and bed pads) before attempting to get her to use the bathroom as she did before the fall.
Walking is painful for my mother due to osteoarthritis in one knee, so she is wheelchair bound and steadfastly refuses to use call button to request ANY assistance (including toileting). She regularly rejects the care partners' offers to assist her to the bathroom (even when she NEEDS to have the adult undergarment changed). When she finally DOES acquiesce, there is usually leakage because she has produced more urine than even extra-absorbent garments can hold, requiring daily laundering of clothes and bed linens to minimize the associated odors. My mother seems quite content with this arrangement, but it puts an additional burden on the staff and also on me.
My mother ignores every attempt I've made to discuss the matter with her. In an ideal world I would be able to modify her behavior. Short of that, I need a way to work AROUND the behavior.
Knowing a change is needed
makes all the difference –
to ensure that a patient’s skin stays dry and healthy. Wet skin contributes to urinary tract infections (UIs) and other maladies which greatly reduce patient quality of life. Many rating agencies monitor UIs as a leading indicator when assessing Long Term Care (LTC) facilities and nursing homes. This simple incontinence monitoring system delivers real-time guidance to staff and provides data that can lead to deeper insights that improve labor management and outcomes.
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Wireless incontinence management system with portable reader and sensors
Wireless Incontinence Management System
Price: US $3,185.50
The company is Conni. I first found the bed pad product on Costco's website and did some other "research" and found they have many products.
The bed pad alone absorbs 68 fluid ounces, stays pretty dry to the touch and does not soak through.
Having someone help a person to the bathroom and to help them change their garments can be so embarrassing for the patient. It took awhile before my Dad was comfortable having his caregiver or an Aide help him.
Dad was lucky, my Dad's Memory Care center would wash and replace sheets/pillow covers, and all the towels daily. And his Aide [when his caregiver had left for the day] would come in hourly to ask if he needed to use the bathroom. If he said "no" apparently she had a way to get him in there :)
Your mother needs 2 hour diaper checks, since she is either not aware or reluctant to use the call button. Start looking at memory care facilities, just in case she needs it soon.