We can’t afford to add the service for incontinence that the facility provides, nor do I trust that they will stay on top of it considering how short staffed they are. My step-dad lives with her, he is having a hard time dealing with the diapers and all the extra laundry. I am researching the Purewick external catheter as an option but when I read other posts about it I get the feeling that assisted living may not allow the Purewick. Does anyone know anything about this? Would be very appreciative for any input.
(and there is someone that just posted that they are trying to sell one.)
They are not covered though.
But...
Bottom line is that your mom is having more problems than you or your step dad can handle.
Either paying more for the service that is needed or having someone come in and take the laundry out to be done. That someone could be a family member or a caregiver that you pay to manage laundry. And if that is the route the caregiver can do other tasks that you may be doing.
Incontinence will not "get better" she will become fully dependent on the disposable briefs and the rest of the laundry clothing, bedding will need to be done more often and and furniture will need to be protected.
These can be dropped into an odor-sealing plastic diaper bag and into a metal can. Then into the garbage it goes.
Maybe worth a try?
I cannot imagine why they wouldn't allow Purewick. The home version is just a dinky little plastic thing. It plugs in like (and sort of looks like) a bedside humidifier. It's not like the hospital version. Cable news runs Purewick commercials night and day. It's just another overpriced home consumer item.
Short staffed or not, the AL will have a responsibility to deal with moms incontinence care entirely once it's paid for and part of her care plan.
Again, this is a problem that will increase costs. Sorry for that, but you are already seeing the results of inadequate staffing, and increased problems means increased staff needs. It's a dilemma.