Cover-ups aka bibs versus cloth napkins

nursejanedough · Feb 2, 2001

Our LTC facility used those terry cloth bibs. We tried to call them clothing protectors so as not to embarrass the more "able minded" residents. They were big and would cover lap. They worked pretty good.

panda_181 · Feb 2, 2001

Originally posted by km rn:
We currently are using cloth coverups made of an absorbant terry cloth type fabric. These cover-ups can be tied around the resident's neck.

We have ordered and looked at some cloth napkins...but so far have not found any to meet our needs.

Does your facility use.....cover-ups aka bibs OR do you use cloth napkins only?

If you use cloth napkins...what size are they? fabric? who do you purchase them from?

PLEASE HELP!

In our long term care facility (I'm working as an NA), we use "bibs". Theya re not made out of terry cloth, but they are plaid on the part that you see and the part underneath is sort of like the bottom of a soaker that you put on the bed. I don't like to call them bibs, although some of the residents call it that themselves. I refer to them as "aprons". It sounds good to me and they know what I'm talking about!

I'm not exactly sure where my facility gets them, but I have seen them in a nursing catalogue that I order from. It's called Avida. And it's Canadian, so it will be way cheaper for you! The number to order a catalogue if you want to get one is 1-800-361-9811 or FAX 1-888-751-5875. And I think I have also seen them in Sears Canada catalogue.

I hope that's of some help to you!

Amanda

AnnetteLPN · Feb 9, 2001

I've worked at about a dozen local facilities through my agency, and the majority use terry cloth bibs with either velcro or snap closures on them. Most of them are brightly colored and when on, simply look like towels. Even the better "minded" folks don't seem to mind them (the ones who do, simply don't use them or fold them on their laps like napkins). They are great because they are super absorbent, and really keep people clean.

I've been to one place that uses disposable paper/plastic backed bibs (on a large roll similar to paper towels) that were just awful! Didn't absorbe a thing, and they had to tie on, and we often had to cut them off people because the plastic tied such a tight knot.

------------------

Annette, LPN from Massachusetts

Heather27 · Feb 15, 2001

We have run the gamut of napkins, "bibs", whatever you want to call them. We have found that it is most cost effective AND most practical to use the terry-cloth tie-on ones. We tried the rubber-backed plaid ones from Aveda, but they didn't last long enough once bleached. We tried cloth napkins, both facility-made and ordered...cotton, poly/cotton, straight poly...none lasted or were the right size or shape. Hope this helps!!

km rn · Feb 17, 2001

Thanks for your replies - any additional replies, responces would be appreciated.

The terry cloth like coverups we use work well BUT it looks and feels so institutionalized. Even residents who eat independently and never spill want to wear them - because if John Doe has one ...I need one too. It becomes part of the culture.

What kind of things are you doing to make dining less institutional and more home-like in your facility? Do any of you serve the formed pureed food - or do you serve mounds of brown, mounds of tan and mounds of orange purred food on a plate?

Please respond! We are also looking at changing our meal times. Most of our new residents want to sleep in - they are getting up at 7:30, 8:00 or 9:00am. Are you also seeing a trend of residents wanting to sleep in and wanting a lighter breakfast - toast/coffee?