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Hi. My mom (81) up till now has used her regular bed. She needs assistance in the middle of the night to have the Depends changed. The aide that is working with her now (covering while reg aide is on vacation) suggested we get a hopsital bed to make the process easier in the night for both the aide and mom. Her regular aide agreed it would be a good idea all around. I got a RX for it from her doctor. Since she needs a new mattress anyway I thought the timing might be good. I just had a Geriatric Social Worker evaluate her and she thought that since mom was still able to use the commode at night but just preferred to stay in bed for the Depends change due to leg weakness, that the hospital bed may not be such a great idea. She thought it might be "reinforcing" an attitude of not encouraging independence/moving more, etc. Anyway, just wondering if anyone has feedback on this matter, brand names, etc. My mom sounded like she didnt care much either way. (The way her bed is now, the railing we have now does not drop down, it is permanent and the bed is aganist a wall on one side.)

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Usually a hospital bed is brought in when the person is not expected to get out of bed every again. As the aide said, a hospital bed is easier on the person laying on it and on the aides when it comes time for changing Depends. The bed can be brought up higher thus saving the aide/family from having to bend over to change the person and the head of the bed can be brought up when the person wants to eat or drink.

However, I see the social worker's point too. Not knowing the details of your mom's situation my suggestion would be to go ahead and get the hospital bed if you expect your mom to eventually be bed-bound but still encourage your mom to get up to void. If you put a bedside commode next to her she won't have to walk far to void.

Once someone is at the point of sitting around in wet Depends that opens up a whole other can of worms so it's best to avoid that until it becomes absolutely necessary.
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CountryMouse, I'll reserve my comments on social workers, although I have met two who were really top notch. The Alzheimer's SW who conducted the Savvy Caregiver seminar was superb - she really knew her stuff and knew how to present it.

Some of the nursing home SWs...well, best left unsaid.
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Caregivingstuff, ive spent too much time getting up at night and doing that {changing my fathers pants, AND re-positioning him} TRUE, hes completely bedridden, so his needs are greater than your loved one for now. I lost SO much sleep over it ..several months...but theres good news. Although I had researched many many times to hear "You can not depend on those" is a lie. Im talking a hospital bed with an alternating pressure, ROTATION mattress. This saved me AND my father on sleep. no soars nope, none. The other issue..wetness...WELL I found a terrific diaper that will hold a LOT of pee. My father is a heavy wetter and it is rare these leak. it also wicks all moisture away from them. they are called freedom briefs. Got them online. a bit pricey, but only use 1 a night ..God Bless what youre doing and don't forget to pray , it is the most helpful of all. hope this has helped.
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I don't think the brand matters so much as the features. You want a full electric bed and get the best mattress you can. Mom loves hers. We left the rails off so it does not look like a hospital bed to her.
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A hospital bed because it can be raised and lowered makes it much easier for both the elder and the caregivers. Easier for them to get into and out of, not as difficult to sit down and raise up on those weakened knees and the relaxation of being able to keep the knees bent and the elder not laying completely flat. Much easier on caregiver assisting elder in and out of bed. It has nothing at all to do with being confined to bed and never getting up again.

Definitely fully electric and the best mattress. Rates right up there with those wonderful rock/recliner lift chairs.
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Go with the bed. The aides are the ones right there on the spot helping out. To my knowledge, social workers don't change protective undergarments. So, with all due respect to that social worker, I wouldn't think she'd be in the better position to offer advice.

The railings will help your mother get out of bed when she does get up.

And as Maryanne suggests, get one with an alternating pressure mattress. Once plugged in, it automatically rotates sections of the mattress and helps to prevent development of pressure ulcers.
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I chuckled at GA's point about the social worker. It can be fun when they come out with these very slight "counsel of perfection" tendencies, can't it?

Besides, surely she'll be able to get out of a good hospital bed just as easily, if not more easily and more safely, won't she? So if she does prefer to transfer to the commode, the hospital bed won't stop her. And I agree you or the aides should encourage her - let her hold on to her dignity for as long as she reasonably can.
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My Mom resisted a hospital and now that she has one there is no going back, she loves it. There are too many advantages not to get one. Grabbing the bars for adjusting positions and elevating the head for breathing. It has made my life so much easier. I have no complaints about social workers but the aides are hands on and I respect their work. I agree with the others she can still get up at night to use the commode it's just that the bed will benefit her in so many ways. Best wishes!
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