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Caretaking Must Haves! A list of those items that are required when taking care of a Family Member
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items This list is of my personal recommendations when I took care of my parents and my in-laws at end of life. All four were taken care of in the home by family. These are some of my must haves when doing something as selfless as elderly care.
Sections
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Lotions and potions
medical equipment
Incontinence tools
Lotions and potions
Eucerin is the best for dry skin. I used this on both of my parents while they were sick. I bought multiple canisters to keep on hand!
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream, 16 Oz
We all know that bed sores are a concern when you have someone that is bedridden. Desitin isn't just for babies. I used it all of the time.
Desitin Multipurpose Baby Ointment, 14 oz
This was recommended by my CNA for their bed sores. Highly recommended. I always had it on hand for those butt sores.
Medline Remedy Olivamine Calazime Skin Protectant
My Mother-in-law's favorite for muscle pain. She requested this after every Therapy session.
Biofreeze Roll-On Pain-Relieving Gel Green
medical equipment
With two parents diabetic, I had to have a stash of these available as I tested daily! They worked and were affordable for how many were in the package.
On Call Express Glucose Test Strips- 200 count
When we needed to add extra support for the bathroom toilet, this is what we got. They were able to grab the handles to help the lift off when they had to. Allowed them more control and independence with proper support where they could grip.
Carex Toilet Safety Frame - Adjustable Rails
A transfer board was necessary as I moved my Mother-in-law from chair to bed. It was necessary and assisted in her rehabilitation.
DMI Heavy-Duty Wood Transfer Board, 24 x 8 x 1
This heating pad was a must have for both parents while recovering and rehabilitating.
Sunbeam XL Heating Pad for Pain Relief, Teal
This handrail bar was a must have for the bathroom. We absolutely needed it as we showered them and they used it for safety and support.
Amazon Basics Grab Bar, 36-Inch, Stainless Steel
Gloves were a must in our household! Was really important to make sure we contained and stayed safe.
squish Disposable Clear Vinyl Gloves, 100PCS, XL
When I brought my MIL home to rehab, I ordered this life assist so that I could move her from chair to bed. We worked with Therapy to make this work.
Lumex Stand Assist Patient Lift - LF1600
If you are taking care of an elderly person this is a must have! Highly recommended and I love that it transports around the house so well with wheels!
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table, Gray
I love this gait belt with handles. Necessary to be able to provide support to your senior or patient while helping them with their independence!
Dr. Moe's Solutions Gait Belt - PT Belt
I used this daily to double check oxygen content in their blood. It was part of my daily vitality check.
AccuMed CMS-50DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter (Blue)
50% off HYBODIES Toilet Safety Rails 50% off Code: DEALMEDICAL 39.99(Reg.79.99) #0610
Hybodies Toilet Safety Rails for Elderly
Incontinence tools
This was the best “adult underwear” product we bought. It was very absorbent and worked well at night! I had it as a weekly delivery!
LivDry Adult XXL Incontinence Underwear, 48-Pack
This is my must have go to when caring for my incontinent father. These “Mens underwear” really helped at night time. My dad was very picky and these worked for him.
Depend Night Defense Men's XL Incontinence 24 Ct
These pads were great and disposable. When we were dealing with wet bed in the morning, I could easily pull it out and put a new one in.
Medline Heavy Absorbency Quilted Bed Pads, Large
These were the wipes I used for clean up. I had these delivered weekly.
Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes, 48 Ct
I had the washable bed pads on the very bottom of the bed. I ordered 6 which were always changed. I used these and the disposable at the same time. Both necessary for a clean bed change every time.
RMS Ultra Soft 4-Layer Washable Incontinence Pad
When my Mother-in-law first came home and was bed bound, this was necessary to have her use the bathroom. It is inexpensive and was easy to use.
Ilyever Bed Pan with Thick PP, Easy to Use
We didn't wear hospital gowns in our home. I bought these nightgowns for my MIL and would slit the back up so that I could get it on her while she was bed bound. It was a much better solution.
PNAEONG Women's Cotton Nightgown Sleepwear
I put these on all of the chairs they sat on to assist with leakage. We always had clean chairs for them to sit on regardless of the incontinence.
Gorilla Grip Reusable Leak Proof Chair Pad, 4 Pack