She recently lost her balance getting off of her commode and hit the corner of her bed frame on her forearm. It broke the skin and the blood gushed out pretty badly...she's on Coumadin. I did the best I could to stop it but it didn't stop bleeding. I called the nurse and she came within two hours. Now, I have to change the bandage everyday and I don't feel comfortable doing it. I'm not a nurse! Wouldn't you think the home health place that comes would have a "weekend nurse" to help me or something? It's upsetting to me to have to do this, but I do it anyway, just because I love my Mom and would do anything to make her more comfortable, but where do I draw the line on care?
Does she use a walker? I know it may only help a little, and she can still lose her balance. Changing her bed or adding something to it may help. Do you have grab bars or the raised toilet seat with handles? I think you should have more help, what else is wrong with your mom? Hugs
As for your Mom losing her balance, sometimes that can happen if you stand up too quickly and start walking. As we get older the heart doesn't pump faster like it did when we were younger and stood up, thus you stand up, start walking, and a couple minutes later you start to lose your balance because there's not enough blood to the brain. Ask your Cardiologist if your Mom would benefit from a pace maker if this is heart related and she is a frequent faller.
Sturdy shoes and a walker are a must.
Have a carpenter install grab bars along areas where she would need handholds, and tell him they have to be anchored in the studs. Add grab bars in the bathroom, next to the toilet, in the shower.
Maybe she really is in pain every day, especially if she has a lot of arthritis. It's hard for someone who doesn't have it to know how uncomfortable it can be.
I'm not sure what's meant by a bed cane that could slip under the mattress to help in getting off the commode. Do you a link with a photo of one?