Gransnet forums

AIBU

Bedside rugs

(80 Posts)
MawBroon Thu 04-May-17 14:56:30

DH has just gone ballistic because he "nearly" (according to,him) tripped over "that bloody mat" I.e.a (washable) bedside rug. Not thick, not sticky up , but there for a variety of reasons not least being a pale gold bedroom carpet (my stupid idea) and that because he can get sick in the night, a plastic washing up bowl is often kept beside the bed. When he was really poorly he had to sit on the edge of the bed to use a bottle. Nuff said.
Added to that, I had noticed that "his" side was getting grey just by the bed because it presumably gets more "footfall". He always wears felt Birkenstocks as slippers in the house, never outdoor shoes but even so.
AIBU to think it is a good idea rather than have a grubby potentially stained carpet?
(I should add he often doesn't pick his feet up very well, so I bet that was part of it angry )

Jalima1108 Sat 06-May-17 16:31:55

sory

www.affixit.co.uk/Carpet-Flooring-Tapes/Carpet-Protection-Film/Carpet-Protection-Film.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiNWOgMrb0wIVz7XtCh072w9sEAQYASABEgJPY_D_BwE

On reflection, I don't like it
However, it could be nice and chilly on a winter's evening.
wink

something which is too thin may 'ruck up'.

Jalima1108 Sat 06-May-17 16:30:16

I remember that a friend had a long strip of that plastic stuff on her new hall carpet (it stayed there for years even when the rest of the carpet was worn!).
It doesn't look very elegant but it could do the trick.
Similar to this, other makes are available (possibly)
[[http://www.affixit.co.uk/Carpet-Flooring-Tapes/Carpet-Protection-Film/Carpet-Protection-Film.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiNWOgMrb0wIVz7XtCh072w9sEAQYASABEgJPY_D_BwE]

where is that bloody rug now? Still there or in the dustbin?

rosesarered Sat 06-May-17 16:29:08

Typo.....don't worry.

rosesarered Sat 06-May-17 16:28:41

Just come onto this thread.....Maw I think the thin bath mats others have suggested may be the best idea.Don't worry, those of us who know you realise that you take really good care of Mr Broon.smileeven when he ( like all DH's) can be an old curmudgeon.

Ana Sat 06-May-17 16:19:45

I'm atually shocked by your attitude, ajanela.

You seem to have taken agin MawBroon in a big way, whereas we who know her of old do understand her family situation and know how well she looks after her DH in trying circumstances beyond either of their control.
Have a bit of compassion, please.

NanaandGrampy Sat 06-May-17 16:18:40

Blimey Anjela it was a light hearted post about an issue Maw was looking to resolve. You make it sound like she's laying traps for Paw or seeking to push him down the stairs!!

Maw I have some see through plastic stuff in my craft room , it has spikes on the underside so it doesn't shift and the edges are flush with the carpet. It truly is impossible to trip on. It's not too ugly because you can see the carpet through it.

Of course , it's also washable etc . Might be an idea !

Or you could just bash him over the head with that frozen leg of lamb you have planned for Sunday lunch wink

MawBroon Sat 06-May-17 16:17:13

My dad did exactly the same under the dining table! When I had their house cleared I felt so sad to see this threadbare patch where he always sat sad

Jalima1108 Sat 06-May-17 16:14:31

I have just bought a very nice rug for the sitting room (well, I like it but DS looked askance grin) because DH seems to 'scuff' the new carpet where his feet are. My father used to do the same, to mother's despair, until he had worn that bit of carpet quite thin so she bought a new carpet and a small rug especially for him.

Jalima1108 Sat 06-May-17 16:09:21

A hair Galen - you need a hair ??
I can trip over my own feet!!

MawBroon Sat 06-May-17 15:53:31

Now you are getting personal.
1) what blog?
I wrote a post.
When I say "ballistic" most people know to take that with a pinch of salt.
How do you know what I "disbelieve" or disregard?
Oh no, you just have to wade in like a complete busybody with your version of life chez Broon.
Well I would be grateful if you would keep your unhelpful and frankly hurtful observations to yourself.
Opinions regarding our soft furnishings are not unwelcome, but do not presume to tell me or PawBroon what we think or do not think. I have not as you say "gone ballistic" but I am acutely aware that you have overstepped a boundary (usually observed on GN apart from the political,threads ??) in making cutting personal remarks.
It would appear others who know more about life in the but an' ben share my sentiment that your attitude is harsh and actually your interpretation of the situation is very much of your own invention. A solution will be found but I am glad to say my experience with OT up to now has been helpful, respectful and positive.
So with all due respect, butt out please keep your views to yourself.

ajanela Sat 06-May-17 15:33:22

Yes there are ways and ways of saying things and I felt your blog was very unkind way of speaking about your husband who seems to have a number of medical problems getting sick in the night and using a bottle. You also disbelieve he nearly tripped on the mat and disregard his annoyance. I am sure you would be annoyed if he had put something in your way to trip on. No I don't know you and can only judge you by what you write.

Despite professional advice by an OT and reported advice others have been given about the dangers of rugs you also disregard that. Must be a reason why this advice is given ! Wooden floors even nicer, I have them.

My post seems to have made you go as ballistic as your husband but at least made you aware of your rugs.

Galen Sat 06-May-17 14:28:37

Over a hair!

Galen Sat 06-May-17 14:28:14

I've got rid of all my rugs, but I could still trip over as hair! I have kept my fitted carpets though.
When I visit darling daughter I'm terrified walking round on her laminate flooring. At least my carpet is relatively soft to fall on ( even though I get carpet burns )
I've solved the problem of stains and suchlike. I have my own carpet shampoo machine and Gary loves using it! ( strange man )

Jalima1108 Sat 06-May-17 14:20:53

The one EmilyHarburn suggests may be good although the colour range is a bit limited and the stain in the middle doesn't look like sick! Unless that's the pattern.

Laminate and wood are all very well but if you have to get up in the middle of the night can be rather a cold shock to the system. I think sheepskin rugs are quite grippy as someone else suggested, as long as they can be washed. All kinds of things can be a tripping hazard as I know only too well! You cannot trip-proof your home completely.

Personally I would put your DH in the dog's basket and let Grace sleep on the bed.

Charleygirl Sat 06-May-17 13:30:32

OMG MawB that was a bit much! It is very difficult knowing what to put on any floor. My main problem is Tara my cat being sick so I have reverted to laminate flooring for her because it is easier for me to clean.

When I had my knee replaced in 2012 the first thing the physio did was remove the bedside and rugs in the hallway and it is only recently I have put them back but I am so careful, walking so slowly.

I do not know what the solution is for DH, I do appreciate that you do not want your carpet ruined, but I am certain that you will think of something.

Grace is like Tara, likes her home comforts- I would not mind joining her there- may I have a coffee please?

Crafting Sat 06-May-17 13:15:11

maw haste ye back to the kitchen where you will be greeted with a nice brew and a cupcake. No one could take better care of her DH than you do. Your posts are mainly about him and his problems but always delivered with a humourous slant. Not always possible I know when things are really bad but you always seem to struggle on and I think you deserve a ? rather than a tongue lashing from others. I am sure if you considered the mat a serious problem you would have moved it ages ago. Of course you are not elderly shock people of our age are in our prime grin ....just because I have to be careful of my knees when I get up and my joints creak, does not mean I'm elderly hmm

Lilylilo Sat 06-May-17 13:08:24

Love Grace and what a beautiful name for her!

MawBroon Sat 06-May-17 12:49:53

As I think I said icanhandthemback "there are ways and ways " are there not?

(And we are NOT "elderly"!!! ?????)

Lilylilo Sat 06-May-17 12:47:22

We have just sanded floorboards. Rugs can be so dangerous.

icanhandthemback Sat 06-May-17 12:31:54

I might have put it less acerbically but think Ajanela has a point about rugs being the biggest cause of falls in the elderly so you could end up caring for an immobile husband if he trips and breaks something.

MawBroon Sat 06-May-17 11:45:57

Thank you EmilyHarburn that may be the way to go. I am also quite a fan of Turtle mats, and have them in the kitchen to stop Grace doing her "Bambi on ice " impression as being 14 with legs like hers is yet another problem . They are also thin, machine washable and can be tumbled. (The mats not the legs!!)

EmilyHarburn Sat 06-May-17 11:35:00

You can get a waterproof floor mat to go by the bed. They come in blue, green or grey.
www.uksmobility.co.uk/household/floor-mats/waterproof-mat

This mat has a flat edge all round that holds it down and helps stop people tripping up. Sadly tripping due to legs not lifting is a feature of the neurological degeneration that some of us get in old age. Its not carelessness.

I feel that your husband has a number of difficluties associated with old age andwould therefore be able to have the mat VAT free. If you buy it, just fill in the form and put some suitable diagnosis.

Caro1954 Sat 06-May-17 11:30:26

I'm the one with the getting out of bed problems, Maw, but hopefully temporary as I've recently had a foot op. I'm quite likely to lose the plot like your DH! But you are obviously trying to find a solution to your problem and there are lots on here so I'm not going to add to them. I hope you work it out, actually I'm sure you will!

Juney64 Sat 06-May-17 11:30:10

Blimey ajenela - that's a bit harsh!

Mawbroon My father just had to have a rug beside his bed - for a variety of reasons. He insisted on having one so I was forced to do some research to do what I could to keep him safe.

I came across a spray which stops rugs from moving. It's amazing stuff. You can still wash the rug two or three times before having to re-spray. I was a bit skeptical when I first ordered it but thought I'd give it a try. I have to say it really works and it doesn't affect the carpet underneath either. You may want to take a look...

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005Y3DE5G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=gransnetforum-21

I now use this myself for my own rugs. Hope that helps.

MawBroon Sat 06-May-17 11:27:07

hmm Also thinking ajanela no doubt you'll be barring Grace from her (second) favourite sleeping place between the foot of the stairs and the kitchen doorway from where she can keep a watching brief on her spheres of interest. Rather you than me there. grin
The hearthrug is her other favourite!