Follow
Share

Sleeps in lift chair now. Should he become bedridden I'm just wondering

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I know of one couple who have made a twin bed of a standard single bed for her, with the hospital bed for him placed precisely next to it. They've never slept apart, and they aren't going to start now or while they can help it.

It makes life a little awkward for those providing bed care, or changing the bed linen: the hospital bed is a fully-fledged profiling model so we can raise it and lower it and tilt it as needed, it's just that it would be easier if we could stand at both sides and at both ends of it; but this is what they want and we work round it.

And you and your husband should feel free to do the same - fine-tune your arrangements until you're both as comfortable as possible.

Even should your husband become bedridden, it's likely that you will want to be able to transfer him from the bed when necessary. Have you had occupational therapy advice on how that might be done? If you're going to need a hoist, for example, you'll need to factor that in and decide where all this equipment will fit best and be easiest to operate safely.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

If he's bedbound, it doesn't really matter if there's a bathroom or not does it? He won't be able to use it. I would put him where he will be most comfortable to spend most of his time. If that's the living room then it's the living room. Just make sure there's enough room to get all around the bed, even at the headboard. Since he will need to be slid up towards the headboard to sit comfortably when the bed is bent into a sitting position. It's possible for one person to slid someone up from the side, I do that, but it's much easier if he can be pulled up standing at the headboard.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Thanks all. Right now he has a lift chair in living room which works well. He also, likes to sleep in it. Just thinking in case he becomes bedbound. We have a large Master bedroom with bath and walk in shower so I could move his lift chair and have a recliner in there also for caregiver. Right now he likes to be in the Living Room
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Yes, where the bathroom is convenient. But, I would try to get them out of the bedroom as much as possible. Unless they are bedridden. I would not want to be in my bedroom all day long.

My Mom had a room in our lower level. She could see us walking around on the next level up. She had a full bath so easier to keep her downstairs. Next level had no bathroom. Another six steps up to bathroom. Mom didn't do steps well. At dinnertime she would come up to that level and spend the evening with us. She was ready for bed by 9pm. And if she had visitors she would come up to the next level where the living room was.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I’m so sorry you are going through this difficult time in your life. If you have a first floor bedroom with attached bathroom, that would be ideal. I do not think anyone wants to be in a bed in the living room as it is not an ideal place for a bed - making your spouse feel as normal as possible with the comforts of an actual bedroom makes more sense. If you need to watch or monitor him, place either a Nest type camera or a baby monitor in the room. A bedside commode and urinal as well if he is unable to walk without assistance. I have been through this myself with my husband and I am a RN, so I am able to prepare for many situations thankfully. I had to hire a CNA to sit with him so I bought a recliner from Wayfair and a mini refrigerator for the room as well. Cleaning supplies and extra sheets, etc for easier cleanups if necessary. My husband did not like the hosptial bed we rented )and it was an airflow hospital mattress) so I ended up buying an adjustable bed for him which worked out well - I added side rails and bought floor pads from Amazon - placed them on either side of the bed- they were large enough (you have to be aware of anything that could be a fall hazard) I Installed a TV and safety rails in the bathroom and shower. An adjustable and convertible handheld shower head is necessary. I bought waterproof pads from Amazon and layered his fitted sheets with them. Makes for easy sheet/linen changes especially in the middle of the night. Hope this helps you. Good luck! Please make sure you care for yourself as well!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Whichever you choose please declutter as you will need flat surfaces for medical supplies. Bedroom is what I did for my mom. No one wants to be on display when they are sleeping or need Medical or hygiene assistance. Everyone wants loved ones to be able to gather but maybe not all in the bedroom so a living area is still needed. I would make the home work for the family and not the whole house feel like a big sick room. If possible have a recliner in the bedroom so when necessary there is a place where a caregiver/family member can rest while visiting or sitting with hubs or even sleep. And of course every persons needs are not the same. Your husband might need additional equipment that might not fit in a smaller bedroom.
If you can keep a living room you will have a place for family that might not be comfortable for husband or family if the bed is in that space. He and you might have more visitors this way.
Of course a tv and/or window with a view in the bedroom would be beneficial. Remember that the caregiver has needs as well. Plan for those. And know that you can always change the configuration as the needs change. I placed my mom’s hospital bed in her bedroom with adjoining bath. It worked for us. She was able to visit as long as she wanted and then to escape to her bedroom as she tired. She had a lift chair in her living room and would not stay in bed during the day. The walk to the bathroom was good for her. Again, each persons situation is different.
Hope this helps.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter