For those who resist turning, they often feel like they are going to fall out of bed. Talk gently to let them know what you are going to do, reassure them that you are right there and you won’t let them fall. Remember that they don’t remember. You have to say one step at a time. If you have to turn them by yourself, put the opposite leg over first (if your turning them to their right side, put the left leg over the right leg before you turn their torso. A turning sheet also helps. ( a washable incontinent pad. 34” x 36” or 34” x 54” for larger people, or a sheet folded in thirds. )

The most recent incontinent products are designed to be better for wetness and can actually protect skin when changed timely. There are mens depends pull ups that Ernie may find more comfortable and “manly”. My spouse who has had prostate cancer wears a large depends pad also for accidents. My sis wears depends with a pad inside as she is a soaker. I change her every two hours if wet.

Just like with a baby, you can’t tell when they pee. If you don’t check, they get red bottoms. I believe they have adult diapers with side tabs like we use for babies. Just check him often and use a butt cream. You know your situation, how much help you have, does he resist turning etc. I figure anything is worth a try.

The washable pads definitely help when turning a bedfast person to the side. I always took two of us to change my husband, and even that was difficult. Sometimes we could get him to grab the side rail and hold on when we were changing him.

@A myALZteam Member Bill was only bedridden for two weeks before he died, and we used diapers. It was extremely hard to change him because he weighed 200 pounds and would not cooperate with us. We had a little trouble with diaper rash, but diaper cream helped with that.

Mentioned Users

A myALZte...