Clothing protection ideas

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I'm looking for ideas for residents who drool to protect their clothing, as well as their dignity:)

I'm not ok with a plain towel draped across them and constant clothing changes just aren't feasible or practical. A clothing protector/ "bib" type garmet (from the dining room) doesn't seem to be very appropriate either outside of the dining room. I was kinda thinking along the lines of a patterned scarf, but maybe someone else has a better idea?

[Mulan]

maybe a cobbler apron?

http://apronstore.com/cobblerapr.htm

or is that what is used in the dining room?

[Chin up]

Keep up the thoughts. This is one that could take off. I agree with you, they are not babies and the bibs are demeaning. You could become the next millionaire. It is way over due. Good luck!

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Actually the only kind of needles I'm even allowed near are medical needles and I'm not looking to be an inventor. This is just an issue that has really been bothering me lately and I picked the brains of my co-workers (including the awesome activities department where I work). I know we aren't the only ones who have this concern, I thought maybe someone else has come up with a solution. No need to reinvent the wheel...

[LPNweezy]

I think its great that you care about their dignity. good job :)

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

There are some residents where the bibs are not enough.

For one resident we put a towel over her ..its that bad.. and even if a towel doesn't make it on her before dinner, they are going to bed soon so we clean her up as best we can.

I do like the scarf idea.

[MurrR]

Patterned scarves that maybe button or snap together at opposing corners sounds like a great idea, especially if they're made out of simple, attractive, easy-to-clean fabrics that hold up well.

My vote would be for no terry cloth!

[Psychtrish39, BSN, RN]

Vampire Nurse ,

Great idea and I know the women patients would love the scarf idea and the men could have a bandanna type thing like men do like to wear most of them anyhow . I agree with poster who said no terrycloth. I just dont think they are manufacturers out there that make things like that with quick release snaps. Maybe you could go to a seamstress or an alterations shop perhaps you and the activity director could come up with something. Thats great of you thinking of their comfort. I agree a towel is not dignified. I have felt same way when had residents who had drooling issues.

I dont sew either other than a straight stitch...

[wearingmanyhats, RN]

I work with learning support students, and several of them drool... they wear "bandana" type scarfs tied around their necks...

[DPRN]

Our facility made dining scarves from this website: http://www.diningwithfriends.info/docs/DiningScarfPattenDirections.pdf

We lengthened the scarf pattern so the lap is covered when sitting. My assisted living residents enjoy them and use them daily.

[teeniebert, LPN]

Our facility made dining scarves from this website: http://www.diningwithfriends.info/docs/DiningScarfPattenDirections.pdf

We lengthened the scarf pattern so the lap is covered when sitting. My assisted living residents enjoy them and use them daily.

Wow, this pattern is awesome!

A family friend*, who was horribly embarrassed when she started drooling as a result of progressive neurological degeneration, had cotton scarves in every color and pattern imaginable. I don't know if they were made for her or if they came from stores, but she had one to go with any outfit. Her husband kept several backup scarves in the car and/or in his coat pocket in case one got visibly soiled. Only those of us 'in the know' really noticed that whenever her glasses got straightened, or a loose hair was tucked back into place, that she or her husband was wiping her mouth at the same time.

*Our friend was recently admitted for inpatient hospice care. If anyone is so inclined, prayers for DB, her husband BB, and their adult daughters at this difficult time would be appreciated.