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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
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This was expected. Change is tough and its harder with Alzheimers. She was never going to realize the need herself. Just hoping the transition and acceptance takes days and not weeks.
@firsttimer1 maybe consider a Hoyer lift instead of changing the bed. The Hoyer can be used to perform every one of the actions mentioned to raise her up so the Home Care Aid (you or whoever that may be) will not end up with a back strain or other injury. It is safe a secure for the patient as well. Best wishes and God bless.
There is nothing like home than your own bed. Having said that consider being alone staring at the ceiling most of the day. My experience is to take extra time to be with your loved one while they make the transition. Good conversation and other things can take their mind off the situation. Make it comfortable with lots of blankets pillows, and stuffed animals if you have a pet help it on the bed.
we got a regular mattress . Dad didn’t use the controls much at all - it helped him be more comfortable. i also made covers for the head and foot of the bed so the bed didn’t “ look” like a hosp bed. ( i covered that ugly brown with some nice fabric that went with his room.)that may help. God bless
I have learned through experience that there are different styles and qualities of hospital beds. Over 20 years ago, when my mother was dying, I moved her into a spare bedroom in my home and the doctor ordered a hospital bed from a medical supply company, which was delivered and set up by the provider. I knew nothing about home care at the time, this was all thrust on me so suddenly at the age of 42. The bed that was delivered was cheap, lightweight, more like a fold out cot with springs. Mom didn't complain. She was too near the end. Although she did note that is wasn't very comfortable, and she ended up sleeping sitting up in a recliner. 10 years ago, when I received a donated hospital bed for my incapacitated husband, I immediately recognized the difference between a light-weight, fold out bed frame, and a "real" hospital style heavy duty steel frame with all the electric adjustments; raise and lower the bed, trendelenburg positioning, head and leg independently raising and lowering. I spent over $400 on a quality mattress with a waterproof cover. I subsequently had to purchase another new bed when my husband fried the motor on the donated bed. He liked to press the button to raise and lower the bed repeatedly - it was self-soothing. I bought another great, heavy duty bed frame and quality mattress - I think we've gone through 4 mattress by now. It is quite comfortable, although it is different and will take anyone some time to adjust to. The point I'm trying to make is you get what you pay for, if you go cheap on a hospital bed, thinking it's only temporary. The cheap ones are not very comfortable for the patient or useful for the care provider. A good quality bed can make a huge difference, but it comes with a pretty high price tag. I lucked out - our first bed was donated, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I'm pretty sure my husband's insurance covered the cost of the second bed. It was a couple thousand dollars. Plus around $400 for a mattress (Invacare)
You might try a different type of mattress for your mom, and make sure she has easy access to the controls, so she can try and adjust it for her comfort. I hope she adjusts soon to her new environment.
If the loved one spent a significant time hospitalized, a hospital bed may have significant negative connotations/memory for them. My mother transitioned easily. I had high end bedding, blanket in her favorite color-red, a mattress topper that randomly inflated to prevent bed sores and a couple of framed posters she really liked for added decoration. I'd overhear her telling her visiting friends she thought her space was cozy. I'm pretty good at interior decorating, as confirmed by someone who had two of their homes featured in home decorating magazines telling me my house was perfect. Good to hear. So, if you have the time, maybe add a few finishing touches to the space. Marshalls has decent fake plants, look nice, no watering, no bugs. It's surprising what a few changes can do to make things look better.
I had that problem with my mother and the Hospice people recommended a top cover that inflates and deflates in random areas of the bed. It's called an "Alternating Pressure Pad". You can find it on Amazon for around $80.00. It helps to avoid bed sores and it made all the difference with mom. I hope this helps! --Tom
I had that problem with my brother, he would only sleep in his recliner. After a while I would get in the bed, raise the back and put my feet up, like a recliner. It took a while, but now he uses the bed. They don't like change, it takes time.
Your mother decided she was going to hate this hospital bed before it even came into the house, as evidenced by your statement, "i bought the gel pad. It's a nice bed. She decided she hated it before she even tried it, for all of 10 seconds." Either give her back her old bed and wait until the hospital bed is a 100% necessity, or ignore the complaining. Acceptance is rare with AD and even rarer with personality types that fight us on everything.
She might like one of those foam toppers. You could encase the topper in a waterproof cover that is soft, not crinkly. Methinks your mom might just want something to complain about. Such is the nature of some dementia patients. Today the bed, tomorrow the invisible people who follow her around and mutter in her ear. It happens.
These beds usually come with a foam mattress covered in plastic. Maybe she would do better with an innerspring mattress. Or even a better foam one. You can always cover the mattress with a water resistant cover you put the mattress inside of and zip it up.
I think that if the caregiver needs this, then it's a must for changing, bathing, turning, cleanliness and hygiene. It can save your back.
However, if this isn't something the caregiver wants, then I can't see the real reason to have one, to spend all this money for one. They often comes with mattresses so full of plastic you literally cannot sleep without sweating, and being quite uncomfortable without a lot of toppers, that really kind of ruin the whole idea of one.
Just something to truly think a lot about before doing it, because these are money makers for companies and they are constantly pushed.
My mother had her very comfy adjustable bed for almost a year and chronically complained about it. She wasted $1200 On something we wound up sending to the dump. Sad.
I’m sorry for yet another challenge. Would she possibly be amenable to pretty sheets in a pattern appealing to her? Sometimes lipstick on a pig does help
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
10 years ago, when I received a donated hospital bed for my incapacitated husband, I immediately recognized the difference between a light-weight, fold out bed frame, and a "real" hospital style heavy duty steel frame with all the electric adjustments; raise and lower the bed, trendelenburg positioning, head and leg independently raising and lowering. I spent over $400 on a quality mattress with a waterproof cover. I subsequently had to purchase another new bed when my husband fried the motor on the donated bed. He liked to press the button to raise and lower the bed repeatedly - it was self-soothing.
I bought another great, heavy duty bed frame and quality mattress - I think we've gone through 4 mattress by now. It is quite comfortable, although it is different and will take anyone some time to adjust to.
The point I'm trying to make is you get what you pay for, if you go cheap on a hospital bed, thinking it's only temporary. The cheap ones are not very comfortable for the patient or useful for the care provider. A good quality bed can make a huge difference, but it comes with a pretty high price tag.
I lucked out - our first bed was donated, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I'm pretty sure my husband's insurance covered the cost of the second bed. It was a couple thousand dollars. Plus around $400 for a mattress (Invacare)
You might try a different type of mattress for your mom, and make sure she has easy access to the controls, so she can try and adjust it for her comfort. I hope she adjusts soon to her new environment.
I hope this helps!
--Tom
Mom pronounced that she did not like the hospital bed after she slept on it for 2 nights. She said it was uncomfortable.
We pushed it to the wall where it sat for 18 months while Mom continued to sleep in her nice comfy king bed.
However, if this isn't something the caregiver wants, then I can't see the real reason to have one, to spend all this money for one. They often comes with mattresses so full of plastic you literally cannot sleep without sweating, and being quite uncomfortable without a lot of toppers, that really kind of ruin the whole idea of one.
Just something to truly think a lot about before doing it, because these are money makers for companies and they are constantly pushed.