Sterile Moisture Swab On Stick ..

[Elina]

Anyone familiar with these & what they're actually called? From vague memory they are a kind of small moistened paddle shaped cotton pad on a stick for wetting elderly persons mouth when not drinking enough fluids.

[RATTER15]

Yes, I have used them, they are banned in most places, hospitals etc. as a choking hazard.

[scorpiojo]

Any help?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/331236374389?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&;hlpht=true&lpid=108&;device=t&adtype=pla&;crdt=0&ff3=1&;ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

[RATTER15]

Sorry, I actually dont know what they were called, these days we cant get them at all.

[Elina]

Thanks ratter, I can understand that, it would be administered by family though & not left.Do you know what they're called? District nurse has supplied in the past.

[Daffy6543]

Mouth care swabs.

[Elina]

Whoops! While I've been typing I've got the answer I need, thanks scorpio & ratter. I know what to ask for now x

[RATTER15]

See the link above, I doubt your District Nurse will supply them now, like I said they are banned in most areas and by most health authorities.

[Elina]

& daffy x

[scorpiojo]

Welcome :)

[Elina]

Thanks ratter for that info, I didn't know that was the case. Ishall ask & see what they say.

[woofgang]

The ones that were supplied for my DH were little pink sponges on a stick and were invaluable...but this is nearly three years ago and I guess times change

[woofgang]

Ratter, what is used instead?

[RATTER15]

I used them a lot and I still would if I was permitted. We went on to using a syringe (no needle) just to give a squirt of water in the corner a residents mouth just to moisten their mouth if they were no longer able to drink, that is no longer permitted.

[pixie373]

I was thinking, woofgang, about 2 years ago i last saw them.

[Elina]

ratter, using that already (syringe) to get liquid down .. also a teaspoon.

[RATTER15]

woofgang, what we tend to use now is a little gauze swab but we are not actually permitted to do that either. The district nurses just advise us to put Vaseline on their lips to stop them cracking.

[RATTER15]

We are not permitted to use a syringe or to put water in their mouth is because we are taking away their "right of choice"

[pixie373]

It is like that, ratter. Trouble is, they get to the point they can neither lift a beaker or ask for water. No choice for them there, either.

[Elina]

I can understand that fully ratter , this is with permission. Using vaseline also x

[Elina]

That's correct pixie which is why I'm using the syringe & teaspoon method.