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Elderly parents
Original poster

Patient turning system

19 replies

Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 14/06/2021 23:56

My 100 year old Dad has been bedridden since November. Unfortunately it looks like the skin on his spine may break down soon, it's just becoming more and more difficult to keep the redness away even though it's well padded with Mepilex xt dressings and creamed with Cavillon.
I do have carers coming in and I would always help them to reposition Dad and move on to his side. It's more awkward for me to call someone when I'm in sole charge of him myself and have actually now hurt my shoulder by single handedly moving him.
Does anyone have experience of using a mechanical patient turning system?
I've seen one called I think Vendlett?
Thanks

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 15/06/2021 17:20

I've just googled Vendlet and it looks amazing. Never used it though.

I wonder if your local community palliative care team could advise you?

HRHPP · 15/06/2021 17:25

Vendetta is fairly complex to use and expensive. Care staff don’t tend to like it due to the level of training required.
You can use turning sheets with loops and a hoist or something like a ToTo system.
What is the reason for moving him ? Personal care or pressure relief for example ?
The reasoning for the turning usually the influences the solution.

HRHPP · 15/06/2021 17:25

Vendetta … annoying autocorrect

HRHPP · 15/06/2021 17:27

To achieve side lying a turning sling and wedge is easy to do with 1 carer usually . Is your dad happy to be turned or does he resist ?
Do you have a pressure mattress? District nurses can provide alternating airflow ones.

ditavonteesed · 15/06/2021 17:27

Is he on a proper pressure mattress? These are good but I don't know if you can get them for at home, we have ones in the hospital that inflate and deflate on different bits to keep pressure off.

Original poster
Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 15/06/2021 23:55

Wow, thanks for all your replies.
Yes, he's in a hospital bed with an airflow mattress.
No, unfortunately our local trust won't support the cost, the Vendlett starts at £4500 !!
Yes, I need it to use it to turn him on his side to relieve pressure on his bony spine.
It depends on his mood, sometimes he gets so frightened at being moved he has convulsions.
The district nurse suggested today that I try a Wendylett sheet.
Sorry about my reply, I can barely string a sentence together.

OP posts:
olidora63 · 16/06/2021 00:03

Ask your GP to refer your father to TVN ..tissue viability nurse . She will advise you on the best way to prevent bedsores. Try and get as much nutrition into him as possible...milkshakes , fortisips etc and fluids

HRHPP · 16/06/2021 06:54

Do you have a hoist ?

You can turn like this then use a handiwedge / pillow to maintain the side lying position to relieve pressure on his spine or to perform personal care etc .

Original poster
Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 16/06/2021 10:33

Yes, we have a hoist which I wasn't sure would be suitable for this method as the cradle bar swings when it's moved. Looking at that video I see the piece he's attaching the sheet to is moving and it still works so that's hopeful.
Thankfully he eats and drinks very well, all pureed and thickened, unless he forgets how to swallow that is but he usually comes round again.
Feeling a lot more hopeful now, thanks all, going to order a wendylett today, our trust don't have one to give presently.
Good advice about asking a tissue nurse to call, she may advise about different padding options.
The district nurses are fantastic and call a couple of times a week.

OP posts:
threeteenstaximum · 20/06/2021 22:45

Are you self funding dads care from his money?
Ask OTs to come out from local authority and ask if he could have a Chc checklist done if he hasn't already . When you start talking about this level of equipment , I would want a Chc checklist and the local ccg to look at his needs as well as local community nurses - you shouldn't feel alone in this

threeteenstaximum · 20/06/2021 22:46

It dies sound like you may already have Chc funding? In which case talk to the community nurses

threeteenstaximum · 26/06/2021 18:27

Did you Manage to get hold of primary health team nurses and OTs OP? Ring the GP surgery to request this if you haven't

Original poster
Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 09/07/2021 10:48

Back again, I bought two sets of Wendylett sheets in the end and they've been a great help. Thanks for all your replies everyone.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ifionlyknewthenwhatiknownow3 · 31/07/2021 22:10

Not sure if any of you lovely people will ever come back and see this update. Sadly, my Dad, who I worshipped, died on the 14th July of a chest infection. The Wendylett sheets were a godsend in his final few days. RIP Dad

OP posts:
MereDintofPandiculation · 01/08/2021 08:39

So sorry for your loss Flowers

Glad you were able to make his last days more comfortable for him.

FeatheredHope · 01/08/2021 08:42

I am very sorry for your loss xx

Mosaic123 · 01/08/2021 10:29

Sorry to hear this.

Ifonlyiweretaller · 01/08/2021 22:44

So sorry for your loss. You were clearly a loving, caring daughter to him xx

christdoinghisunspecifiedhobby · 03/08/2021 06:41

Very sorry for your loss, OP. Hope you are doing ok xx

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