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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
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V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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If he can't pull up his pants and tries to walk he may fall.
He's probably embarrassed to ask, but if you tell him that you don't want him falling so you'll be waiting to help, he may let you. Try some humor if you think he'll respond to that.
The main thing is that he can't see that you are embarrassed. It's hard to get used to helping a parent with these intimate things - particularly one of the opposite gender. Time helps make this routine but there's generally a little discomfort at first. Act firm but light hearted if that makes sense to you. Like it's no big deal but he can't be falling just because he's stubborn.
Good luck. Please check back and see if others have more suggestions. Carol
I don't have any personal knowledge or experience with this but I have found the answer to SO many questions simply by "Googling". If you type "difficulty pulling up pants" into your browser, I think you'll find some answers! You might also get a referral from his doctor for some occupational therapy. Simple suggestions include elastic waist pants (but velcro fastening is also available) and sewing loops of fabric inside the waistband of his trousers so he can grab on the loops to pull pants up to the point where he has more leverage. Some of the sites even discuss best sort of underwear (silk boxers or brushed cotton) so the pants slide more easily. Also techniques for shifting weight from side to side. Many of the responses come from men who themselves are having this difficulty (ALS, Parkinson's, arthritis) and it may be helpful to your Dad in more ways than one for him to learn from them. You can copy and paste these responses/information into a Word document (even edit out the parts you think might not be so positive for him) and let them read for himself. Also catalogs of adaptive clothing and aids like "grabbers" to help him reach things. You might also consider some grab bars near the toilet to assist him in balancing as he gets upright. Information is empowering and a little searching on the Internet produces more answers than you can imagine! Good luck and angels watch over you and your Dad!
Perhaps a consult in his home with an occupational therapist will be able to help. Does your dad use a wheelchair or a walker? Does he have grab bars available by the toilet to help him lift himself up? Would a raised toilet seat with arms help the situation? And the OT may be able to help him with other issues that he has as well. Good luck.
Definitely ask one of his doctors to prescribe OT for in-home adaptation. The therapist can recommmend various devices, such as a sock puller and/or a grabber/reacher. He/she can also make suggestions such as Lolli has about repositioning while dressing.
Suspenders are another possibility. Even if you have to use a few sets, they're something he can hold onto when pulling up his pants, without having to reach farther down to the waistband.
You could also put a towel over him while you help him move his trousers up far enough that he can wiggle into them.
My father's had this kind of advice after surgery to repair fractured hips, but I don't recall what the therapist said as he was able to regain much of his mobility. He does get dressed sitting down on the bed though, so if he loses his balance, he can roll backward and cushion the impact.
Sorry, I missed that the difficulty occurs in the bathroom. Get grab bars, vertical and horizontal, installed (but ONLY anchored in the studs, not just screwed in the wall) so he can hold onto one while pulling up his pants with the other.
There are also full length grab bars like the stripper poles that can be installed from floor to ceiling. This would allow him to lean on the grab bar as he stands and gives a longer area of support for him.
I don't mean this to be silly, but how about some snappy looking mens shorts.Summer shorts is what I mean, there wouldn't be so much to pull up and they come in all sorts of colors.
Dad had trouble getting his pants down in time when going to the bathroom. He had a belt (too tight), a button, a zipper to deal with, along with his diaper. I switched him to PJ bottoms fleece in the winter, cotton knit in the summer. I tied the drawstrings together at the very ends so he would not tie himself into them, or have the ends slide into the channel. PJ bottoms seem to be "in fashion", and come in moderately discreet prints. He likes untucked tee shirts, or thermal shirts. Now have almost stopped the "crapcidents". I also believe he is more comfortable without that darned belt.
I was talking with a psychiatrist yesterday who told me that most dementia patients don't want help doing anything and you just have to tell them this is how it's going to be. Also, he said make them think it's their idea, which I thought was a great suggestion. So, plant the idea in his head that he suggested you help him with the pants, if dementia is his problem. And as the expert above wrote, suggest to him that he WILL fall if he walks with his pants down. I'd also tell him that you don't want to have to call 911 if he falls because it will ruin both yours and his day because you'll have to wait in the ER forever and you really don't want to do that. This is what I always tell my mom, i.e., if she does this, I'll have to call 911 to help her get up, or whatever, and I really don't want to spend all that time in the ER because I have so many other BETTER things to do with my time.
Good luck.
And yes, people can Google answers to questions however I believe people do come here for support and perhaps they landed here because they Googled the phrase 'can't pull up pants' and it sent them here. :)
I'm glad I found this community and I'm sure others are, too.
p.s. my mom had weak legs, too, until I started working with her to use her legs when standing up. It's surprising how many people, both younger and older, do not do this and rely on the couch cushions and arms to push them up. Balance exercises are also a plus, even as we get older. Definitely something you may want to look into, as people have said above, i.e., PT. She's 91 and can now get up from a sitting position without holding on. In fact, she's so good at it, she takes the cup and saucer from the table and tries getting up with them in her hand. I have to stop her from doing that because if she falls, I tell her, she'll cut herself and as I mentioned in my above post, 'we'll have to call 911 and I don't want to spend the day in the ER) :) I always say this with humor. And she always responds with "Neither do I!"...
Or, you could simply tell him he doesn't have anything that you haven't seen before, wink wink....perhaps that will make him laugh, then you could tell him that you promise you won't look. Of course, this all depends on exactly what his physical/mental conditions are. Good luck and one big hug for you and him!
Exercise is the key to correcting the problem assuming it's not some kind of disorder or illness. When we don't use something it atrophies. Physical therapy is usually paid for by Medicare with a doctor's prescription. Help him become stronger and the problem will take care of itself. I like the elastic waist band idea. I switched my mother's wardrobe to elastic waist bands on all PJs and pants. Her old zip and button jeans are in a box waiting to go to Goodwill.
Cathy can you afford to have a raised toilet installed? Regular toilets are just too low when your legs get weak. Also get a frame that attaches to the toilet which has bars on both sides. failing all that you can try a raised toilet seat which simple fits over the regular toilet. personally I don't like them because they feel unstable to me. All the other suggestions are good and the OT will help you figure out the right option for Dad. make sure he always wears sturdy shoes or slippers with a non slip sole and don't have loose rugs in the bathroom.
PT will also help depending on his condition but it is far from free from Medicare. I have a suplementary policy and have to pay $25 per session. Without it would probably be 20% of the actual cost
One of my clients has 2 raised potty seats that she wants to donate. One was from her mother the other from her aunt that died just months apart. She was their caregiver. She want to give them to someone with financial need.
Yes PT is FREE with medicare! The physician has to prescribe it. My mother has medicare and blue cross. She pays NOTHING!
Medicare will pay for PT if prescribed by a physician, for a limited amount of time. It's not indefinite. I can't find my Medicare and You 2014 booklet right now but my best recollection is that the limit this year is $1800.
If the patient still needs PT after that, the physican can write an extenuation script, but we've found that PT facilities balk at continuing someone past the initial threshold because they don't want to be in the position of providing therapy under the uncertainty whether Medicare will pay for it.
If the patient has another medical event which necessitates further therapy, it's been our experience that Medicare will pay for that.
It just won't pay for indefinite therapy.
I have been told, however, by our pulmonary physician, that Medicare will pay for indefinite pulmonary therapy if the patient's condition warrants it.
My hubs gave up on zippers and buttons about 3 yrs ago, two yrs after he was diagnosed. He took to the pj type bottoms very easily. We call them soft pants. For us it made things easier all around. They come in different weights and materials, for all seasons. They are comfortable and VERY easy to get off in an emergency and easy to get on, when we are getting redressed for the 3rd or 4th time They slip over the depends much easier than jeans or even 'docker' type pants. And some come with his favorite sports team logos, his favorite beer, just about anything. We also have a riser for the toilet and a grab bar and they have helped a lot. Many of his crapcidents (love that word) would happen while he was trying to lower himself to the seat. We live in 'senior apts' but the toilets are still too low. The riser has high handles so I had to teach him to put both hands on the handles before trying to sit, so it is more stable. And humor has been my savior in more than just this situation. Telling him I would have to call 911 and if they send a female EMT, there he is in all his glory, pants around his ankles.;-)). Its easier with a spouse of course. My heart goes out to those who are taking care of parents of the opposite sex. Hugs to all of you.
It helped us to use "sweat pants" but I love the idea of pfs called soft pants. We do what we can. Aids like the one suggested can be helpful at some stages, too. Loved the humor from luanner! But she is right, I think, that is this one circumstance it's easier with a mate than a parent.
Pants assist. You don't need a video to prove the need exists. Just make one of one of your group trying to put pants on without bending their knees!!!!!!!!!!
Has anyone heard of Pants Up Easy? It is a product for disabled individuals helping them to pull their pants up. Cool product that might be helpful to some here.
Medicare will pay for inhome healthcare. Just someone to come in weekly to bath, physically therapy, and a nurse to check him. Someone to coach him that he needs alittle assistance. My step dad had a nurses come in weekly to help this daily needs.
I have seen elastic men's pants advertised in some magazines. Don't know if they had zippers or not but, they sounded like a great idea for the occasional outing. But then again I don't worry about other people when we go out.
You have to ask if dad wants to live in a nursing home because that is where he may wind up should he fall. I had a tough time with my Mom and the bait was her cat. I changed her room around, got a hospital bed to elevate her legs and head, a 55 inch tv, a portable commode next to her bed so that it is behind the door. Shoe rack on the door to hold incontinent supplies, baby wipes, toilet paper, small garbage bags, toilet paper, etc. She can stand and pivot to use the bathroom. All paper products go into the can, not the commode. She can close the door for privacy, have all her supplies less than a foot away. She is independent as her health allows. She has her cat. At night no pants to keep urine off her skin. In the daytime yes, she calls and I help pull up. If she does by herself, she can lean against the bed so if she loses her balance, she falls on the bed. Hope my method can help you. Best of Luck.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
He's probably embarrassed to ask, but if you tell him that you don't want him falling so you'll be waiting to help, he may let you. Try some humor if you think he'll respond to that.
The main thing is that he can't see that you are embarrassed. It's hard to get used to helping a parent with these intimate things - particularly one of the opposite gender. Time helps make this routine but there's generally a little discomfort at first. Act firm but light hearted if that makes sense to you. Like it's no big deal but he can't be falling just because he's stubborn.
Good luck. Please check back and see if others have more suggestions.
Carol
Suspenders are another possibility. Even if you have to use a few sets, they're something he can hold onto when pulling up his pants, without having to reach farther down to the waistband.
You could also put a towel over him while you help him move his trousers up far enough that he can wiggle into them.
My father's had this kind of advice after surgery to repair fractured hips, but I don't recall what the therapist said as he was able to regain much of his mobility. He does get dressed sitting down on the bed though, so if he loses his balance, he can roll backward and cushion the impact.
There are also full length grab bars like the stripper poles that can be installed from floor to ceiling. This would allow him to lean on the grab bar as he stands and gives a longer area of support for him.
Good luck.
And yes, people can Google answers to questions however I believe people do come here for support and perhaps they landed here because they Googled the phrase 'can't pull up pants' and it sent them here. :)
I'm glad I found this community and I'm sure others are, too.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Or, you could simply tell him he doesn't have anything that you haven't seen before, wink wink....perhaps that will make him laugh, then you could tell him that you promise you won't look. Of course, this all depends on exactly what his physical/mental conditions are. Good luck and one big hug for you and him!
I have a suplementary policy and have to pay $25 per session. Without it would probably be 20% of the actual cost
Yes PT is FREE with medicare! The physician has to prescribe it. My mother has medicare and blue cross. She pays NOTHING!
If the patient still needs PT after that, the physican can write an extenuation script, but we've found that PT facilities balk at continuing someone past the initial threshold because they don't want to be in the position of providing therapy under the uncertainty whether Medicare will pay for it.
If the patient has another medical event which necessitates further therapy, it's been our experience that Medicare will pay for that.
It just won't pay for indefinite therapy.
I have been told, however, by our pulmonary physician, that Medicare will pay for indefinite pulmonary therapy if the patient's condition warrants it.
We also have a riser for the toilet and a grab bar and they have helped a lot. Many of his crapcidents (love that word) would happen while he was trying to lower himself to the seat. We live in 'senior apts' but the toilets are still too low. The riser has high handles so I had to teach him to put both hands on the handles before trying to sit, so it is more stable.
And humor has been my savior in more than just this situation. Telling him I would have to call 911 and if they send a female EMT, there he is in all his glory, pants around his ankles.;-)). Its easier with a spouse of course. My heart goes out to those who are taking care of parents of the opposite sex. Hugs to all of you.
Loved the humor from luanner! But she is right, I think, that is this one circumstance it's easier with a mate than a parent.
Keep up the suggestions!
Carol
A pair of braces is a good assist.