You'd think common sense would kick in.........but I'm learning. Just thought I'd share. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cut drinking straws short so LOs don't have to suck so far. Use small glasses.

For crusty eyelashes, dab baby oil on a Q-tip (wipe off excess in a tissue) and gently rub on lashes.

For iffy-looking skin areas, mix in palm equal amounts of antibacterial cream (I use Rx) with triple antibiotic ointment (OTC), apply.

Prevent having to wash small support pillows: wrap with chuck, then regular pillow case tucked inside itself.

Snip the tops of socks about an inch to allow for swelling feet.

Cold wipes feel better when dipped in a basin of warm water.

A piece of pipe insulation on the Hoyer Lift may look redneck but it saved bumps on the head.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

I'm having a little aggravation when repositioning Mom sometimes with the washable, waterproof pads. It's like a magician pulling on the tablecloth and all the dishes stay on the table. I use a draw sheet but wonder if the pads are just wearing out from all the washing or if there is something else I could try.

I'd love to hear your ideas.

OH Gosh, thats my biggest problem with Mom too. We constantly have to reposition those damn washable pads. I start the pad way on the bottom of her, and then within an hour, shes off of it. Mine aren't worn, they've always done that, so I don't know what the heck to do beside putting duct tape under the darn things which I am considering!!!

One thing I do though now is put a couple of chucks further done beyond the washable pad just in case she does slip down and leaks. I hate to have to wash sheets on a daily basis, so I have to say I do waste those chucks a bit.

I actually do some of the things too that you mentioned Sam, thanks for the great suggestions on some that I don't. The straw thing works great. I've been doing that for awhile now. And I've also found that wetting the wipes with warm water not only is more comforting for them, but not as harsh when they are wetter. Also I keep the wipes box upside down. They seem to stay alot moister that way.

I use this stuff from hospice on Moms butt called Calmoseptine. She really gets irritated in her rectum. But those darn plastic tubes are so hard to get the creams squeezed out of when you get halfway through them. So I cut them in half, and squeeze the rest into a small container with a cover. Its alot easier and faster to use especially when their resisting you. Its a mess to dig it out of both ends, but in the long run easier to use.

Keep those hints coming everyone. We can use all the help we can get. Now, if I could only find a easier way to change Mom in her recliner. I still put her in it daily so far, and it takes two of us to change her in it. I swear when this is all over I'm going to invent something.

Jackie