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M
Marialake Asked February 2014

Fear of falling out of bed. Any suggestions?

My overweight MIL is bed bound (hospital bed - special air mattress & catheter). She is comfortable in bed and caretaking is easier for me now..... with one exception - rolling side to side. She is terrified of rolling out of bed. As a result she fights the "roll" which stops everything. I have tried pillows, to block her view, psychology, encouragement, rewards, meds. In the end, two people are required - at great effort. That is great on the 3x a week hospice comes. Love them. But on the other days ....
I have a hoyer lift..... which still requires rolling side to side to position the sling. I should add that her derriere spreads out and around my arms ....almost like bread dough which makes it difficult for me alone. Is anyone here dealing with a patient who is afraid of falling out of bed and who resists efforts to roll?
For now, I call a family member over each time but there are occasions in the wee hours of the morning when I try on my own. Any secrets out there?

blannie Feb 2014
I haven't been around a Hoyer lift, but could you put up bed railings, so that she would feel them against her backside if she hit the side of the bed? I'm not sure if they'd interfere with her other needs or not...but my parents have had them on their bed and love them.

pamstegma Feb 2014
Have you tried deflating a little, do the clean up on her and then reinflate?

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