It is 2:14 a.m. and am sitting here wondering how to handle the newest development in mom's decline. Tonight is the first time she wet the bed. So is it Depends or Tena?, and which story do I use to get her to wear them? How do I bathe her when she fights the two she is already getting? Should I use baby powder or is there something that is better? Who has the best waterproof mattress covers for the least amount of money? I am sure that there are other questions to ask but am so tired these are the ones I could think of now. Awaiting words of advice from those that have been there before me.....Thank you all.

OK, first of all don't panic. It's going to be ok. You will need more than a waterproof mattress pad. I just got one of those from Walmart. You are also going to need waterproof pads for on top of the sheets or you will find yourself doing laundry in the middle of the night. It's been awhile for me so someone else may know where to get the pads without spending a lot.

You don't need to bathe her if she is just wetting. Get baby wipes and clean her up. Baby powder is just fine. If you don't have baby wipes, a warm wet wash cloth will do fine. Just make sure you dry her well.

This could be an isolated incident and may not happen again for awhile but it is best to be prepared.

I know these declines are hard. I am so sorry.

I was able to purchase the pads from a hospital / medical supply shop here.

They came in two forms: the first one was made to use on chairs and couches; the second was made to fit a twin bed that could be tucked in.

They were $13 and $19. I bought extras so that if Old Navy soiled the bed or the chairs and recliners, there were more pads on hand to use while the soiled ones were washed.

Old Navy was able to be reasoned with when it came time to have to put ones on his bed... it was much cheaper than trying to purchase a new mattress.

We bought whatever pads were on sale, but I prefer the Poise ones as they stuck better than the Tena ones.

When Old Navy started not making it to the bathroom, we basically convinced him that the pull up ones wouldn't show and I would rather rip them apart than to try and clean his clothing and bedsheets every other hour.

The fact that he was more comfortable between changes convinced him they were a good thing.

I really appreciate all of the tips. Got the mattress covers and some Assure underpants. She took them off and peed on the floor next to the toilet. Not sure what I am going to do to help this situation. Nothing seems to work. She is getting more and more frustrated and telling me to get out more and more. Will keep trying. Thank you.

Linda,
I did a lot of mopping before Bill stopped going to the bathroom. You get to the point where you want them to stop going by themself.
For awhile I had to go to pajamas that zipped up the back so he couldn't take them off at night. It was almost easier when I stated diapers full time. I don't know if he even noticed the difference when I switched. I didn't switch until he wasn't able to stand without assistance. He would have trouble lifting one leg to put his foot into pull ups. It was just easier for both of us.

Thank you Joyce for all of the wonderful advice. I know that this is a hard time for you and pray that God will give you peace and help through the time of mourning. I have no clue what it is like to lose a spouse but do know what it is like to lose a loved one. The same but different. There are no words but know that I am praying for you.

Thank you Linda. It isn't easy but I keep telling myself that he is bette off and somewhere someone said "He has his memories back now". None of this replaces having him here but if I keep telling myself that, it seems to help. That and I know I'll be with him again some day.

Try WalMart or Meijers for the larger water proof pads. They are a lot cheaper there. Look in the baby section. I layed the larger ones across the bed instead of length ways. Seemed to work better for me.

I bought adult diapers for Doug at Wal-Mart. I also got the bed pads there. They are not too pricey. You can get the pull-up type or the regular diapers. They are both very absorbent. Good luck and God bless you and yours. Karen

I switched my grandmother over to pull-ups full time after the first couple of incidents in bed. At the time they were weeks apart but I decided to make the switch to full time wear anyway. I'm glad I did, because by the time she really needed them she was already used to them.

She is very small, only 90 lbs, so in her case the diapers catch all the fluid. She simply doesn't have enough fluid in her body to overflow it. I use Serenity because the waist isn't so very high and their small is a bit smaller than others.

To date she is still continent by day and she does the important business while awake, so I don't have it too bad yet. I probably just jinxed myself! She's been in this stage of being wet in the mornings but dry all day for a couple of years now, so it may not be the beginning of a whole new world for you. Time will tell.

Cheers.