When you’re younger, you never imagine having to be the one helping your elderly parent at the toilet. Your dad struggles to get to the bathroom on time since his stroke. He often has accidents, so someone has to help him with toileting. It’s a lot of work keeping up with frequent trips to the bathroom, supporting him as he gets on and off the toilet, and cleaning up after. When you’re the one helping your dad with toileting, there are five steps that you can’t ignore. You may also consider hiring Personal Care at Home for some help.
Learn Your Dad’s Schedule
Pay close attention to your dad’s schedule. Over a few days, get a feel for how long after he drinks a glass of water does it take for him to need to urinate. What about evacuating his bowels? Does he go in the mornings or afternoons? Is it after his coffee or as soon as he gets up?
Learn his schedule and make sure you get him to the bathroom on time. It lowers the risk of him having an accident. By avoiding accidents, you avoid having to change your dad’s clothes, do extra laundry, and spend time cleaning floors.
Install Safety Accessories
Install safety features like a raised toilet seat and grab bars to make it easier for your dad to get on and off the toilet. If you’re not having to lift him as high after he’s used the toilet, it’s less of a strain on your back.
Put Him in Clothing That’s Easy to Take Off and Put On
Taking your dad’s pants off and putting them on shouldn’t be challenging. Choose clothing that is loose and doesn’t require buttoning or zipping. The easier it is to get on and off, the quicker it is to get him on a toilet or to change his clothing if he has an accident.
Unscented Baby Wipes Make Clean-Up Easier to Manage
Unscented baby wipes take care of the skin when you’re cleaning your dad after he uses the toilet. Avoid wipes that contain ingredients like perfumes that may irritate the skin.
Keep them close to the toilet. If you have to go to a closet and find them, your dad may try to get up while your back is turned. That can be dangerous.
Remember that even if a wipe says it is flushable, it may clog pipes in your home. It’s best to bag them and throw them into the trash.
Hire Personal Care at Home for Toileting Needs
Not everyone feels comfortable helping a parent with toileting care. Personal care at home aides can take over your dad’s toileting and hygiene care, leaving you to focus on your work, self-care, or fun activities.
Your dad’s stroke impacted ambulation and memory retention. Stroke care at home is the best solution to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed. Call a personal care at home specialist to learn more.
For more information about hiring Personal Care at Home in San Diego, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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