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Elderly parents
Original poster

District nurses catheter

70 replies

Flyhigher · 05/10/2023 21:44

84 year old FIL. Might need a catheter.
He can't do it himself. Will district nurses come four times a day? Has anyone had this with their parents ? He's not super flexible and very uncoordinated. Any advice?

OP posts:
CountryStore · 05/10/2023 21:45

I think it would be carers, not DNs, if he is able to get any help at all

Toddlerteaplease · 05/10/2023 21:49

It will probably be an indwelling one rather than intermittent. So will not need much. Just checking it's not blocked. And general cleanliness.

CountryStore · 05/10/2023 21:59

I assumed the op was wondering who would empty the bag if her relative is not dextrous enough to manage it?

Sunshineandrainbow · 05/10/2023 22:00

Once it is inserted it will just need emptying by carers.
In my area DN would fit it but not empty it 4 times a day.

Numbersarefun · 05/10/2023 22:03

For my mum, it is emptied and cleaned by carers. The only time the District Nurse comes is when it falls out.

Mumof1andacat · 05/10/2023 22:21

If an indwelling catheter, then it's the bag that would need emptying. The bags normally have 'tap' on which you can turn and empty the bag. Self catheterization is inserting the catheter throughout the day and emptying the bladder directly via the catheter. Older patients tend to have ones with bags. Some can empty the bags themselves, some not. Bigger night bags are available, so there no need to empty at night.

fourelementary · 05/10/2023 22:23

Do you mean emptying it @Flyhigher ? If he isn’t able to empty the bag he may need a package of care to assist. He would get a visit weekly if housebound to get a new leg bag from the DN team and their involvement if it came out or needed changed (12 weekly usually).

TheShellBeach · 05/10/2023 22:24

Don't worry, OP.
If he has carers they will empty it through the day and a large capacity night bag can be connected for overnight.

bizzey · 05/10/2023 22:37

With my dad we emptied the bag into a plastic urinal bottle.
Tipped down the toilet and rinsed with a bottle of diluted bleach/Dettol .

(As I am lazy we kept one downstairs and one upstairs!)

It was all very discreet.

The DN's organised the delivery of the packs of catheter's.

Always make sure you have a few spare.

(The bottles were need for my dad as he was not mobile to go to the toilet)

Cleaning is very important as infections are very common.

If the wee starts looking like coca cola in the tube ...that is a good indicator of infection.

Original poster
Flyhigher · 05/10/2023 23:03

How much are carers?
And are catheter valves much better?

Thanks all!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Flyhigher · 05/10/2023 23:04

He has no carers currently. It's a huge change he's devastated.

OP posts:
Myyearmytime · 05/10/2023 23:11

Is he is hospital at moment?

JamieJ93 · 05/10/2023 23:12

Hi, DNs will fit an indwelling catheter that will need changing every 12 weeks (earlier in case of UTI, sediment build up in tube) - can attach night bag at night which can hold up to 2000ml
Your father ( if possible) can empty it himself or carers.
You have a few options in terms of a care package;
You could ask GP, DNs or health professionals involved for a referral to SS (but could take a while to get a suitable package in place, assessments ETC)
you can pay out of pocket for a care package through a private agency, it's quicker but it does come at a cost.
Also (very very pricey) if you are in a position, you could either employ a live in carer yourself (you being the employer - and it's cheaper)
Or could go through a registered agency for live in care ( very expensive but If you are well off, this may be an option)
I was a senior carer for a long time - worked very close to DNs and used to do catheter care alongside.
I have also worked as a live in carer.
I have also had a catheter myself. (Indwelling)

bizzey · 05/10/2023 23:16

OP , what is the situation with your FIL at the moment ?
We will be able to help you better if we know what stage you are at .

Has Urologists said he needs a catheter?

The Urology at our hospital were super helpful.

Dad started on self catherisring.
He was shown how to do it.

Then Insitu.

Carers prices vary depending on needs and poss means tested.

It does all sound overwhelming at first , but did make like easier for all of us in the end.

Does he live alone ?

SM4713 · 05/10/2023 23:23

OP- we need more info? Is the catheter a temporary thing or likely permanent? There are multiple types with different care and requirements depending on this answer. What health issues have changed this?

Original poster
Flyhigher · 06/10/2023 07:35

I think it's temporary. Not sure. Not seen a urologist. They appear when they are ready and then go just as quickly.
He has an enlarged prostate. Just had a tavi. Can't operate on the prostrate till Nov at least.
What about catheter valves? Has anyone used those? They have a house and savings. So am assuming there will be no free care. They said maybe 4 weeks help. Is that right? Then it's up to you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Flyhigher · 06/10/2023 07:36

He lives with his wife. But they are both very impractical. He cooks too.

OP posts:
SD1978 · 06/10/2023 07:48

Are they suggesting self catheterisation, or an indwelling catheter? An indwelling one (IDC) just gets emptied in the toilet and is done independently. What would be your reason/ rationale that if it's self catherisation- placing a small tube into the bladder, and standing/ sitting in the toilet and allowing it to drain, would be something he was not capable of?

Musicaltheatremum · 06/10/2023 07:49

Emptying the bags is quite easy when you've done it a few times. Bit fiddly at first. I managed to soak the floor first time I did it for my late husband but quickly got used to it. The DNs could probably show your in laws how to do it. The bags have a tube at the bottom that has a valve on it which releases the urine into any container and you just flush it away.

ohtowinthelottery · 06/10/2023 08:08

My DH had a catheter fitted once after day surgery and was sent home overnight with it. They told him how to change the bag - but not me! Of course, in the middle of the night when the bag was full, and DH couldn't bend due to his surgery, it was me who had to change it. Honestly it was really straightforward - I managed to work it out having never seen one before and whilst I was half asleep. I'm sure they will manage it between them with a bit of training/guidance. Seems a bit OTT to get carers in just for that - unless there are other care needs.

Original poster
Flyhigher · 06/10/2023 12:37

You have no idea how incompetent they are. They can't put a plaster on. They also are 84 and not that mobile. But unbelievably incompetent. Can hardly do anything practical.

OP posts:
SM4713 · 06/10/2023 12:39

Did they show him how to attach a night bag? How to empty the bag with the toggle? Does he have a community nurse booked to see him? Wasn't there any paperwork on discharge?

Original poster
Flyhigher · 06/10/2023 12:42

Not discharged yet. But I know him. And honestly don't think he can.

OP posts:
SM4713 · 06/10/2023 12:45

Have you spoken to the ward sister or discharge planning team then? What have they put in place? Does he know how to empty it etc? Does he have the dexterity to use the toggle thing to open/close and empty it?

TheShellBeach · 06/10/2023 13:47

He needs to practice emptying the bag while he's in hospital.