urgent help re nursing home

GenericUsername

Wilma33 wrote: »

At home, did someone respond immediately to get her to the toilet or could she hold it longer there?

From my experience it was a busy household so there was usually someone on hand although it would always have to be someone female. Although there is a strong possibility that because my gran knew the toilet was nearby and lived within a structured routine (over time) she didn't have that fear of uncertainty regarding the wait as much as someone in residential. Especially if they are out of their own home and regular routine. This can be very daunting for someone from that generation. My gran couldn't walk of her own accord but always kept her watch on a wheelie tray in front of her, so maybe knowing what time it was gave her a sense of independence. As I say at over 90 she was still mentally switched on.

tyllwyd

I read this thread yesterday and it has been on my mind since then. Six minutes doesn't seem like an unreasonable time to answer a non-emergency buzzer when you think that staff might, for example, be attending another resident, who has to be settled safely before they can leave them.

What worries me is that you say that your MIL has diarrhea - is this normal for her? Is it being treated? If not, I'm worried she could become dehydrated and even more ill, especially since she is elderly and frail. If it continues for more than a day or two, I think you need to be asking if she has seen a doctor.

sitcom321

thank you everyone who has replied. we called last night to see MIL and she was very fed up, she wants to go back to her flat which unfortunately is out of the question re her care needs. we have explained that she is going to have to make the most of where she is, it is a lovely room she has and we have made it as comfortable as possible with her own things around her. I know its harsh but unfotunately the only option. I spoke to the nurse in charge re her diarrhoea and she said that as she contracted C Diff in hospital this is what she will have episodes like this now as it doesnt really leave the bowel, they have suggested that they might move her to a room opposite the nurses station once one becomes available so that they can be nearer to her as at the moment she is in the room furthest away from the nursing station and hopefully this will help her.

who wants to be old and frail, certainly not me!!!!

troubleinparadise

The C diff infection explains the urgency & continence issue - sadly even if she had someone at the bedside they might not meet her needs in time.

I do hope that she settles in before too long, and can enjoy the benefits of 24/7 watchful eyes and companionship.

Errata

I spoke to the nurse in charge re her diarrhoea and she said that as she contracted C Diff in hospital this is what she will have episodes like this now as it doesnt really leave the bowel

The infection is no longer present once it's been treated succesfully, but it does leave the patient susceptible to becoming infected again when further outbreaks occur in institutional settings - hospital, care home.
I hope the home is monitoring hydration.