I know that we are supposed to turn our spouses regularly to avoid pressure sores on the tailbone. It is really difficult. There is no muscle or fat in that area any longer just loose skin and sometimes I think the pillows make it worse. DH sleeps in a fetal position and turning is a real chore - dead weight. I can't leave dh too flat in the bed due to mucous issues so that puts more weight on the tail bone area. We have a pressure pad which I believe makes it more difficult to turn dh and change him. Thoughts please.
There is a special mattress, which I found to be the greatest help, and I had tried everything else. Could hospice supply you with such a mattress? If I remember correctly, it was so constructed that there was never any pressure on any one spot - it automatically adjusted itself. As for turning, there is a slick draw sheet for just that purpose and also a belt. Sorry I can't supply more details, but I've found lately that I can't remember much of what happened. It's merciful because it was so painful at the time and for about 18 months after DH died. I guess my mind doesn't want to go back and relive it. Divvi will know because she has take such good care of her husband for a very long time, and he needs frequent turning. Wait for the divine one to come along and help you.
hey guys all i know is what works for me! haha. but thank you very much for that vote of confidence miss mary! brindle your hospice folks can show you how to move DH even in fetal with the draw sheet as mary suggests. my DH doesnt weigh much and i can actually lower his bed to flat and pull him with the cotton pad underneath or roll him easily. if yours is heavier and you are tiny, then you may have to get hospice more often to help you move and rotate him. i also have the inflatable pressure sore pad which moves air constantly and is quite comfy as i tried it out. it makes sure no one area gets too much stress. ask your hospice people to change your mattress if you dont have one that inflates. i know some here have tried the sherpa lined pads this may be beneficial for your DH lower tail bone area since hes on it more. its gotten good reviews just google sherpa sheepskin bed sore pad and see what you find out. making sure your DH has adequate hydration and enough lubricants on his bottom at EVERY change of depends is crucial to make a barrier again infections and sores. rotationg him and using the memory foam wedges or pillow types to use as props is easy on the skin as well. also washing bedding very frequently i think is best to avoid any sweating issues that can cause bacteria and or lesions to happen. hope you find what works. also we have used the Exoderm translucent patches to cover any open sore. its made by medline hospice supplies them and they work very well to help any open sore heal and protect against bacteria and they are waterproof til changed. you may want to ask about these as well. divvi
Once again....Divvi is correct. I had one of those ciruclating air mattresses that hospice supplied and it was great. He was beginning to get pressure sores from losing so much weight and this mattress really helped.
I also used a sauve called BAG BALM...I got it at Target...it is in a green colored square tin. If they don't have it at your Target try other drug stores or Wal Mart. It is wonderful for the dry skin and sores.
My father was put on a circulating air mattress in hospital just prior to his death. He'd hardly been on it when the top section went flat. The hospital didn't have many air circulating mattresses and I think the one he got was on its last legs. Once the mattress was fixed, it was way more comfortable than the hospital mattress he'd been on for 3 weeks.
The care home where my mother resides use a product called green sheepskin to help prevent pressure sores. It apparently is much better than other sheepskin products and comes in various sizes from full mattress topper to smaller sizes including a piece that tucks across end of bed where feet lie. There are green sheepskin bootie style slippers and wheelchair or seat pads. Google green sheepskin.