About to get a hospital bed for my Mother, what can I get to prepare?

My mother and I discussed many years ago what would happen if I were unable to properly take care of her. It seems to me that at this time you are at that point. Think about changing her diapers,changing her clothes, changing the sheets with her still on the bed, etc. You say she is obese. How will you be able to handle her weight? I would look into her eligibility for Medicare or home care. Also, Hospice may be an option at this time. That is something that you will need to discuss with her doctor.

I don't know if this may help and I hope it does not offend you - For anything disposable I would consider either the container that holds a series of sacks that one puts an item in and then it's sealed off for the next item/event .... I am thinking of a thing that is used for baby diapers and also there is the same set-up for a pets litter-box. I know that it's a bit different use yet it would allow the disposal of items to be collected easier for discard. This could be used for anything from disposable undergarments to wipes. It may make things easier in some part for the both of you.

Gloves gloves gloves!!! Washable bed pads - at least 2. One in use & one in washer. I also put kids disposable "goodnights" pad on top of washable one! Do not take off paper over the sticky pads!!! You do not want to stick this to washable pad so that if soiled it is easily removed! I also buy tons of scented disposable kitchen trash bags that I use solely for disposing everything used during change! I keep bedpan on bed during change to capture diaper and wipes etc that immediately are put into scented bag! You get a system and just make sure BEFORE you start a change that all is lined up!!! Prevents frustration and allows for you to not show stress to your mom!!! You will be surprised over how quick and easy it becomes! I have nurse aide twice a week to help me change linens and bathing and chat time to keep me sane! I am fortunate that she is gentle and caring to mom & me and has given me valuable tips! I often wonder about caring for someone heavy set. My mom is so so. Dead weight is no joke and you sure don't need to injure either of you! My mom has strength still to roll side to side and that is helpful! I buy all our supplies on Amazon which is great since I can't just go shopping! We have hospital bed in living room and physical therapy is working on getting her to be up and moving at least to commode and her chair! Everyday is a new education! Oh most important is to invest in a plush thick bedpan to go over mattress unless you are fortunate enough to get a Tempurpedic mattress! It makes a world of difference in mattress comfort! Everyone seems to have offered wonderful advice! You will get your system together and don't be frustrated if it takes a few times to get in the groove!

Re: Toddler size pillows. My father is in a nursing home. I have purchased two of the "travel" pillows for him and they are really great. He likes to use those rather than the larger pillows.

First off, Allegromedical is an very good and very reasonable place to get supplies. Gloves, bed pads and honestly anything. Walgreens runs specials on adult diapers a lot. I get daddy's when they are buy one get one half off.
Second, is a foley catheter an option? I take care of my daddy and he's pretty large as well and can't walk. He has a foley catheter that I change every 20-30 days and has had it for over 4 years. This has truly been a God send to us as he would wet through his diapers and his bed protectors (I used 3) and he would still be soaked. It never ran into the floor but, never the less he and his bedding were saturated and I was afraid of him getting infection in pressure wounds (caused by sitting in his wheel chair). Does your mom use a Bedside commode? If so, get some 4 gallon trash bags and line the pail with it. You will do a dance at how amazingly helpful this is. Pull out the bag, wipe the potty and your done! I use a diaper Genie too. :) Not sure if anything I've mentioned will help but, I certainly wish you luck and know where you are.

if she is eligible for Medicare, they will pay for an hydraulic lift that's very helpful and easy to use! Of course, it has to be prescribed by a doctor but, I doubt you will have any problem with that.