New Caregiver for Mom w/Alzheimer

[estherg4re]

Hello, thanks for the add. We've just taken in our elderly mother in-law, 78, who has Alzheimer and uses a Colostomy bag. This is all new to me so any guidance will be greatly appreciated. She had a Colostomy about 3 years ago. It was supposed to be temporary. Other family members who have taken her to the doctor said the doctor said it's too risky to reverse it. I'll be taking her in to a new doctor to see if this is the case. Input on this? But my biggest problem is that during the night she rips the bag off at least 3 times. So I constantly have to wake up and check her, clean up, and put a new bag on. My husband and I both work so it's taking it's toll on us. We have caregivers during the day. She doesn't take it off during the day. My question is, does anyone have any ideas on how to keep the bag on so we can sleep? She forgets it's there, and just rips it off while she sleeps. One of my caregivers suggested a body suit. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated! Even if it's a support group for Alzheimer/Colostomy patients. Or, any input you think I should know. Thanks in advance.

[smashms]

i would also suggest an abdominal binder or a hernia belt a body suit would also work but you do still want access to see if it needs to be changed or emptied. with alzheimers it will be very difficult to keep any bag on her as she will forget she needs it there. as far as reversing it that will be up to this new doctor, and given her age and how big that surgery will be will all have to be factored into it. as i do not know her current health besides the alzheimer's.

[smashms]

they do also have something that look like socks to put over her hands so it will be more difficult but not impossible for her to get to it but they can be clumsy and also very hot. but may be worth a shot as

[Jimbob]

Another factor to consider is that the pouching system might be irritating her. It is not unusual for an Ostomate to become allergic to the pouching system they are using ( even after several years of successfully using the same system ) and for your mother if this is happening maybe it is the reason that she is pulling it off. A consultation with a WOCN (Ostomy Nurse ) might be in order.

[estherg4re]

Thank you, I did take her to see an WOCN yesterday as I found a free clinic. It was so good and informative. She gave me so many ideas and I found many things I was doing wrong. And ideas to keep her comfortable. Also my small dog has taken a liking to her and she thinks he’s a dog she had a long time ago. So I let him sleep with her last night and it kept her hands on the dog and not her bag. She only ripped the bag off once! Thank you for all the advice. I appreciate it!