Re: [QUAD-L] alternatives to turning every 2 hours

[Billy]

Hello Alice,   Turning every two hours is a severe burden on caregivers.  Although he is newly injured, careful extension of turned times should be attempted.  If you stretch the turn by one hour nightly, inspecting him for wrinkles, red marks and the like each time he turns, within a week you could probably have him turning every six hours and and doing catheterization at the same time.  The quality of care would not be compromised.  Mom would get some sleep and so would he.  I'm a C-5/C6 quad 15 years post.  I turn once a night, normally at the six hour time.  Unless I'm having problems with decubitus this stays standard.  I have slept on a regular mattress with an egg crate and a sheepskin cover for 10 years.  I now use a memory foam cover on the mattress.  It is what works best for me.   There are other alternatives (mattresses, beds) that will substitute the need for turning.  Others on this list will be the best source for that information.   As far as catheterization is concerned, I use a suprapubic catheter.  For me, it was the most independent choice negating the necessity for periodic catheterization's.   There is a balance between care and caregiving which necessitates the need for these kinds of experiments. I hope it works out.   Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do!   Billy ----- Original Message ----- From: Alice To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 7:23 AM Subject: [QUAD-L] alternatives to turning every 2 hours I am hoping someone here can offer some advice. The nephew of a friend is a C-4, injured July 2004. He came home this fall. They cath him every 6 hrs, and turn him every 2 hrs. He's 25. His mother is doing most of the care. The do have an aid for daytime help, but can only get 6 hours per week for night coverage. Family is trying to help with nights, but they are all still getting pretty beat. (Especially the Mom) I'm wondering if anyone can give any advice on options to the turning every 2 hours.  His care is their main concern, so they will sacrifice anything. Just wondering about rotating beds, roho mattresses, etc. But don't want to compromise his care. Also, can you tell me what kind of funds there are to cover the cost of these. He is opposed to doing anything different than being cathed every 6 hours. (Not real sure why.) ANY advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Alice