03/31/2026
What are some of your best, practical caregiving tips?
“Here’s my best advice to minimize nighttime accidents. Layer the sheets waterproof pad, then dry sheet, waterproof pad, then dry sheet. Try to buy washable pads. Might be more expensive at first but softer & more protection making them worth their weight in gold. I also used them in babies' cribs under sheets. Then, when it's all layered, if it’s wet during the night, just strip to next set instead of having to remake the entire bed in the middle of the night! So you can get back to sleep before you’re fully awake from a bed change.
Also, try to get your person on a ‘poop’ schedule & stick to it. Once they become ‘regular’ there aren’t as many accidents (unless caused by meds or other illness). Double up the night-time depends, too. If only the inner one gets wet, easier to rip the sides & pull off & pull dry one back up. Also, may need to actually wake the person up in the middle of the night to “go” to try to avoid wet bed. Very tiring & very hard work but a small inconvenience is easier than a huge mess.
Best of luck to all caregivers out there!”