Choices

Today the big discussion was hospital bed or no hospital bed. Dad doesn't want to be in a hospital bed. Claims it is uncomfortable and he wants to stay in his own bed. I have learned that in a hospice situation hospital beds are superior because a) they are made with pads that inflate and deflate according to the patient's comfort level b) the beds are antibacterial c) the construction of the bed reduces the chances of bedsores d) it is easier to move a patient in a hospital bed e) and it is easier to change sheets on. All of this and they have the cool buttons that raise your head and/or feet. Apparently though if you are 6'1" a standard hospital bed is too short.

In the end we are going to likely have to force the move. It is difficult for the caregiver and myself to continue to try to manually move him. I have asked hospice to come in and force the issue because Dad doesn't is so stubbornon this issue. We put him in the hospital bed last Tuesday (a week ago today). He scowled and tossed and turned for 4 hours. Finally he sat up and said he was uncomfortable and walked back upstairs...walked back upstairs. Now he is unable to even sit himself up unassisted. What a difference a week makes. I guess now if we put him in the hospital bed he can't just decide to get out. That doesn't seem right either though... I have called and found a better bed and am just waiting for the okay from the nurse to have it delivered. Maybe that will help.