My mother-in-law has been removing her pull-up briefs. It causes quite a mess at times, and requires so much extra cleaning. What can we do?

Asked by stukinthemiddle  |  Dec 3, 2009

My mother in law has been removing her pull-up briefs. It causes quite a mess at times, and requires so much extra cleaning. What can we do?

Answer This Question

 
 
 

Carol Bradley Bursack, Dec 4, 2009

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."

 

This is a common and frustrating issue. Does she have dementia?
She may not understand what she is doing (not that this helps you).

Could you try a different kind of brief? The change may help her either by making her more comfortable, or just confusing her because they go on differently.
Carol

 
 

AlzCaregiver

Give a Hug

Dec 7, 2009

Buy cheap cotton underwear, and use poise pad. ues pullups as added protection. Be willing to throw away cheap real underwear if they get too gross.

 
 

Aleeta

Give a Hug

Dec 7, 2009

My aged mother said the seams irritated her. We switched brands
a few times. Even if your m-i-l cannot communicate with you clearly, something as simple as a scratchy seam might be the problem.

 
 

try wearing OVERALL.it work for me with my grandmother.

 
 

arose4yu

Give a Hug

Dec 7, 2009

my mom used to do the same thing. What we did was get her a jumpsuit that zips from the back so she couldn't pull her underwear down. You can find it at buckandbuck.com . Depends aren't that great. If you have a CVS near you , sometimes they have a full-service medical supply center. I'd get that brand. Or I'd go online to try to find better diapers. If she has Alzheimer's, the fidgeting includes taking off: clothes and/or underwear.

 
 

patrica61

Give a Hug

Dec 8, 2009

Some of big stores sell special diapers at wholesale prices, If you have a SAM'S club or a SUPER WALMART they also sell their special type of diapers in different sizes. I found them to big bettter than depends. That is where I had gotten my mom's even when she had to go into a assisting living. I went to special surgial hospital stores when she was up north and also when she came to Florida with me they were not as good and cost more money. When she was in the assisting living they sometimes use the large green ones, just like most hospital do. They are easy to ake off for the nurses with pull off with tabs on the sides, the pulls up can be taken off by some of the patients. Your parent may have the signs of Dementia or they can not control them selves any more. You can even put a pair of underwear on so she does not pull them off. It is a very hard issue. Mom is at peace now with my dad. It ws a long battle but I was always there to take care of her. I always check for diaper rash and made sure there was no smell or bed sores at the end. When she was up north it was bad, when I first found out about the illness myself. I walk in to the smell of pee through the house. She had no control and was wearing just panties and the social services or nurses did not do anything to help her in New York, that is why I brought her to Florida. You are not alone, we all have different experiences especially with the hygiene part with the elderly. Bless you at this time of year. patrica61

 
 

MotherJackie

Give a Hug

Dec 7, 2009

My mother, age 92, hated wearing diapers (as she called them) and would frequently remove them at night to be more comfortable. The extra work that this caused was almost overwhelming some days. There were certain brands that she found more comfortable than others. Surprisingly, her favorite was a drugstore brand pull up made for women. She hated the bulk of gender neutral pull ups. It was one of the more inexpensive choices, also. One thing I had to do to make her more comfortable was to cut a slash down the front of the pull up. Using scissors, I would make a vertical cut of about three or four inches down the center at the waist. This made it feel less tight around the waist and they still stayed up.

 
 

linda09

Give a Hug

Dec 7, 2009

my dad doesnt complain , but i complain when they leak , i notice depend is the best one out of everything eles , depends holds more pee and leak just a lit bit ,
i use the cheap kind during the day and use depend for night time .

 
 

Thanks to all who took the time to comment! Yes, she (my MIL) has dementia (6th stage). I never thought about overalls! She now has no control over her bodily functions. I am careful to wash & dry her thoroughly, and watch for any breakdown of skin! Again, thanks to all. . God bless! I don't wish this on anyone, but it is helpful to know we're no alone!

 
 

linda09

Give a Hug

Dec 8, 2009

my father has dementia , but have no clue what stage he is in . he still has his mind and can answer me whatever i need to know . but i have to tell him ok get up ok put ur hands up ok need to start walkin etc tell him what to do and dont do . he can barely walk . leans way over to left side . but he can eat no pblm but as for drinkin i think pretty soon i will have to use training cup . what stage is that in ??
dr in fla is the one said he has dementia but didnt say what stage . that was few yrs ago ..
he is in indiana with me over a year now . yes he sleeps alot ... sad .

 

Answer this Question

Please stay on topic or ask a new question.

Find Senior Housing And Care That Fits You Needs

I am looking for:
Search location:











Housing


Care


Join the Discussion

Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers

 

Like AgingCare.com on Facebook