She is 81, poor mobility (very slow) so she can't make it to the bathroom in time. She uses all the necessary products. How can you tell if they are being "lazy" (as stated by a DCW at her facility) or if she really can't sense if she has to go, and then can't make it in time. Medication is not an option because it worsens the dementia. Any ideas or suggestions? Any help would be appreciated.
Agree Mom needs a higher level of care and regular visits to the bathroom.
For myself, if I sit in front of the computer without taking a break, when I stand up all the sudden I need to make a mad dash to the bathroom. Now, many elders can no longer do that mad dash so there will be bathroom accidents. Again, no fault of their own.
My Dad had mobility issues, and he had refused to wear Depend type garments. Until Mom decided to hand him the spray cleaner and paper towels to clean up the mess. Before I knew it, Mom had Depends type garments on her shopping list for Dad.
Ideally, they would take them to the bathroom on a schedule to help alleviate some of the issues.. and they did that for a while with my Dad... but I don't see them doing this on a regular basis. I would think keeping him continent as long as possible would make him much easier to care for .... and preserve his dignity.
When I go visit I always prompt him to go to the bathroom to avoid any accidents while I am there at least.. which would really embarrass him.
Most residents wear depends even if they know to go to the bathroom because it does take them a while to get there ... and most are somewhat slow moving.
"Alive Inside" on Youtube... brings tears to your eyes, but its good to see.