You might be shocked to discover that 51% of people aged 65 and older living at home experience bladder and/or bowel incontinence.
But elderly incontinence is not just a medical issue. It can affect people emotionally, psychologically, and socially. Those who suffer from incontinence may be fearful of participating in normal activities.
Incontinence impacts the daily life of more than half of the millions of elderly people in the United States.
But that's not all: a CDC report showed significant cost linked with incontinence. In a single year, bladder incontinence cost adults an estimated $19.5 billion. That's an average price of $4,100 per person.
Read on for a list of 10 of the best incontinence products you can use to help with elderly incontinence.
1. Briefs
One of the best incontinence products for elderly patients is briefs. In the past, these were called diapers, but patients prefer the term briefs.
This absorbent underwear has a tab on each side for easy removal. It is best for severe incontinence of either bladder or bowels.
There are different absorbency levels depending on the needs of the patients.
2. Pant Liners
Pant liners (sometimes referred to as pads) are placed inside the patient's normal underwear.
Pant liners can be used for light bladder incontinence. They come with an adhesive underside so that they can be affixed to the patient's underwear.
This product is one of the most economical elderly care products available.
3. Bed Pads
Bed pads for incontinence eliminate the need for multiple elderly incontinence products.
Instead of using incontinence underwear and mattresses protectors, the bed pad does it all.
It dries out quickly and can also be used on other furniture such as couches or chairs. You can also line the floor with these pads.
4. Reusable Bed Pads
A washable bed pad provides the same benefits as a regular bed pad at a better price. Simply toss in the washing machine and use again and again.
Best of all, these pads eliminate the embarrassing odor of urine.
5. Waterproof Bedsheet
A reusable waterproof quilted sheeting is designed to protect the mattress from overnight incontinence accidents.
It is soft polyester with a vinyl center to protect against leaks, stains, and odors. This washable sheet is guaranteed to keep the mattress dry.
6. Mattress Protector
A mattress protector goes under bedding and sits directly on top of the mattress. It protects the mattress from getting wet or stained.
These elderly care products keep patients' dignity intact because they can be used discreetly under bedding.
This is a good option for patients who don't like the feeling of waterproof sheets on their skin. Or you can use both the mattress protector with the bedsheet for maximum protection.
7. Sheath Holder
A sheath holder is a simple secure elderly incontinence product. It is for use with external male catheters.
Using velcro, the sheath holder holds a drainage sheath in place without adhesives. One size fits all.
8. Skin Protectant Cream
LanaShield skin protectant helps prevent and treat diaper dermatitis. It works well on chafed or irritated skin. It also helps seal out wetness.
This is one of the most necessary incontinence products for your patients' comfort.
9. Containment Swim Brief
These swim briefs provide excellent containment for a worry-free time in the pool.
They are lightweight, stretchy, and fit snugly thanks to the hook and loop fasteners. These swim briefs are washable and reusable and can fit discreetly under any other swimsuit.
These can also be used over briefs for elderly incontinence overnight.
10. Personal Dry Wipe Washcloths
These highly absorbent dry wipes are another essential elderly incontinence product. They are gentle on the skin and come in easy to handle poly bags.
They are great at general clean up as well as patient care.
Dry wipe washcloths dry and soothe skin after urinary incontinence and reduce the risk of chaffing and skin irritation.
General Tips for Using Incontinence Products
Whenever you need to care for patients with incontinence, you must remember to keep their dignity intact.
Perform your task in a professional and courteous manner. And don't forget skin care. The entire area covered with incontinence products is at risk for irritated skin.
Often, red and irritated skin is a sign that the elderly incontinence products the patient is using are causing friction due to a poor fit or the wrong size.
Chaffed or wet skin means that the product has inadequate absorption. Or it could mean that the item is not fitting well.
During changes, always use a gentle front to back wipe away from the genital area. Apply the barrier cream in a thin coat to protect the skin.
When you are putting briefs on a patient, make sure that you pull loose skin in the thigh area out of the brief. This way the skin won't bunch under the brief uncomfortably.
Aim for a snug but comfortable fit around the patient's waist. Leaks around the leg opening are most common. Make sure there is a secure fit around the legs.
If the incontinence products you use have a wetness indicator, align it with the patient's spine.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading. We know that coping with elderly incontinence can be a challenge for you as a caregiver. It is also a challenge for your patients.
But, by taking the time to read up on this list of 10 incontinence products you are educating yourself. Then you will be in a better position to effectively meet the needs of your patients.
At Save Rite Medical we are here to provide excellent service and pricing. Contact us today with any query you may have.
