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maryanne56 Asked September 2013

Is anyone else having to get up at night to turn their loved one? How can I get my sleep?

After 2 years of alternating with my brother , he quit on me..Ive gotten one or 2 persons say that a special mattress eliminates the need to get up and others are saying even after spending the money, I would still have to get up and turn him. ..please let me know what youre doing and if it works??PS my loved one can not turn himself. Im trying to avoid a nursing home. SO far theres no agency that Im aware of that would do this...

maryanne56 Sep 2013
Thank you Moomoo and Thank you vstefans! I think he is qualified for hospice...still awaiting response, the nurse that was here thought that a turning mattress was a great idea. and yes, start slow..see how well he does with the angle and turning times....etc. Its scary to see what options there are and if you're making the best decision, they are very expensive and non returnable..the medicare doesn't cover the rotation style mattress...

vstefans Sep 2013
You may hear that turning q 2 hours is mandatory but this is more of a starting point, based on animal data re pressure sore formation. Many people tolerate just one repositioning at night if they are well nourished and the mattress is reasonable (at least a GeoMatt, possibly the alternating air, these are the ones covered on Medicaid here in AR) but you want to work up to that gradually and check skin very carefully. I don't think getting up q 2 hours all night every night is a reasonable thing to expect of a solo caregiver. Hope you do get some good help!

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Moomoo Sep 2013
Maryanne, I just checked Moms mattress for you. It is a gel mattress overlay called Solace by Invacare. I also use a fleece piece for her feet. I bought that at Christmas time at a display at our local mall. Your loved one may also qualify for a circulation type of mattress, the kind they use for fragile patients in the hospital to prevent skin breakdown. There's red tape for the doctor but if he or she can justify the expense it may be worth the effort. I was lucky to have the visiting nurses help me with this, sounds like you may qualify for this help.
Sure hope this helps you. Take care, Susan(Moomoo)

maryanne56 Sep 2013
Thank you for the responses...any info is much appreciated. MOOMOO can you tell me the brand and model of the mattress? So you arent having to reposition at night?

Nora3452 Sep 2013
I ran across a mattress here at has a air/spring contraption that can safely turn the person sleeping on it:

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it's worth a shot.

Moomoo Sep 2013
My Mom has anew hospital bed and they included a special mattress with it because of her inability to turn very well. This was covered by Medicare and it has worked out well, no pressure sores,

Jinx4740 Sep 2013
search on this site for air mattress. Some people have found that they do the job very well.

lsmiami Sep 2013
If you pay a caregiver to be on shift overnight they would do this.
If your loved one does not need other assistance, it would be a lot of money for just one task. Maybe you can find a college student who needs to study and pay them a flat rate, sort of like the folks who take security guard jobs and bring their books.

maryanne56 Sep 2013
Also I want to thank bookluvr and Jolli for their positive input .

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