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SacFol Asked November 2022

What advice can anyone provide in handling fluids from weeping legs as a result of CHF?

My 86 year old mother lives alone with a few hours of caregiving provided each day. In the last month, she has experienced a lot of fluid from her legs. She has a DNR and has stopped taking her medications. She spends most of her time in a recliner, but doesn’t elevate her legs as often as she should. She absolutely does not want to go to a hospital or a rehab facility, etc. The aide said that the fluid from her legs is getting on the footrest of the recliner and in the carpet below the seatalso . It also has an odor. Hospice is changing her bandages about three times a week, but it sounds like it could be done more often. The CAN’s and aides are not authorized to do this. Only a nurse is authorized and they’re already stretched thin for time. Does anyone have good suggestions about how to handle, products, etc. that work to capture the excess? What best practices work?

AnnReid Nov 2022
In my sad experience the outcome when this stage is reached is very limited for recovery.

Hospice recommended residential care, and even that was brief.

TeethGrinder65 Nov 2022
The nurse from Hospice should / can / will train you to change the bandages. Put in a call asap.

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Countrymouse Nov 2022
Disposable bed pads absorb fluid and are soft and can be placed under her legs on her chair. You'll have to change them frequently, I'm afraid.

When the bandages are changed, is the skin intact?

You've told her prescribing doctor that her diuretics aren't effective any more, have you?

PS Sorry, I see that you explained she has stopped taking her medications. Any chance she might agree to start taking her diuretic again at least? And/or at least listen to what her doctor has to say about it? Hospice won't ban diuretics prescribed for symptom relief.

Fawnby Nov 2022
You could get a waterproof cover for the recliner. It comes off and you can wash it. You might need two, one to wash and another to put on while you're washing. I found one for a love seat on Amazon. You might be able to put washable rugs around the recliner if no one is likely to trip on them. But aside from all that, she does appear to be in such bad condition that she should no longer live at home with part-time caregivers. It doesn't matter what SHE wants, you need to look into a safe place where she can be cared for.

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