The Routine: Mornings

Here's the morning routine to get Brennen up:

[Normally starts at 9am Mon - Sat and at 7:45am on Sunday]
Turn off night ventilator
Remove mask, and face and ear bandages
Remove blankets, pillows, etc.
Clean face and hands
2 Gas-X tablets
Drink of water
Toileting in bed if needed(urinal)
Physical therapy (legs, hips, hands, arms, shoulders)
External Cath.
Pants
Side stretches and wash back
Attach body brace
Use Hoyer lift to put in wheelchair
While in lift, unplug charger(s), plug in day vent battery to ventilator and turn on day ventilator
Adjust brace and seating
Put shirt on
Bandage toes, insert toe spacers, and put on compression socks
Put on AFOs and shoes
Breakfast
Morning meds
Toileting (Use Guldman lift in bathroom)
Put back in wheelchair
Attach leg bag to external cath. (change leg bag every 1st and 15th of the month)
Pull up pants (2 person job - if only one person available do this step on the bed)
Adjust feet in AFOs and tighten velcro straps on shoes
Adjust body brace, seat position, and ventilator sip tube
Nasal Rinse/Nasal Spray
Brush teeth
Wash face
Wet and comb hair (if no shower the night before, use No-Rinse shampoo)
Final seating and vent sip tube adjustments
Attach wheelchair tray
[Morning routine takes 2 hours]

Next will be the adjustments to routines when there are respiratory issues.

The Routine

One thing I have to do for a nurse to come in and help take care of Brennen is document the routine. Here's the evening routine:

[Starts around 8:30pm]
Snack (200-500 calories if possible for weight maintenance)
Medicines
Brush Teeth
Remove body brace (clean brace with rubbing alcohol)
Resporatory Treatments: Vest and Nebulizer
Remove foot splints, support socks, and compression bandages
Undressing/Toileting
Shower
Back in chair
Nasal Rinse
Nasal Spray
Put in bed
Dress for bed
Physical Therapy
Bandage face (prep for nasal mask)
Put on Nasal mask/chin strap
Position for sleep (1 pillow, 1 blanket, 1 rolled up towel for legs, one pillow under back, cervical pillow under head
Turn on night ventilator and adjust to stop leaks
Adjust ceiling fan and blankets for comfort
Lights out!
[Between 10:30 and 11:00]

Next time: the morning routine.