Before you dive into the ever-expanding world of incontinence products and supplies, be sure that your parent sees her doctor to find out whether her incontinence is treatable. Contrary to common belief, incontinence isn't a normal part of aging. It does strike about one in ten people over the age of 65, though, either temporarily or more long-term, and it's more common among women.
To get started, bear in mind that people often need more than one product to accommodate different levels of activity. Also, the first one you try may not be right for your parent's needs. Just as humans come in all shapes and sizes, so do incontinence products. If you keep looking, you'll find something that will work.
Dealing with incontinence can be embarrassing. Product dealers are well aware of this. Many have 800 numbers, and some actually make house calls to show you their line of goods and allow you to try or purchase several kinds to see what works. Most products can also be ordered over the Internet or bought at pharmacies or sometimes in bulk at medical supply stores at discounted prices.
The checklist below will help you figure out whether or not a product may work for your parent.
How absorbent is the product?
Depending on how much leakage your parent has, you'll need different levels of absorbency. If your parent leaks only a little during the day but a lot at night, you'll want to find out which products work for those situations. If you try a couple styles that tout absorbency, see how long they protect before they have to be changed.
Can you hear it when your parent walks?
Some products have great absorbency but make noise when the person wearing them moves around. A product that crunches may not be the best choice for a quiet get-together with a few people.
How bulky is it?
A bulky incontinence product may be fine for bedtime but not suitable if your parent is wearing tailored clothes.
How comfortable is it?
Some products may be comfortable before your parent has leakage but really uncomfortable after use and before your parent can reach a bathroom. Some products have better moisture barriers that wick the urine or feces away from the skin. Some have elastic leg bands that may or may not be comfortable. Some are contoured; others are not.
My husband isn't incontinent, but is having fecal accidents away from home - I wish there were more family restrooms available so I could go in with him and help him. He forgets and rises from the seat before he is finished with a BM and drips all over himself and the floor. I have had to enlist an employee in a couple of stores to hold the door for me while I clean him up. I'm not sure if a diaper would even help.
My son uses incontinence because of neurological issue and true, I went on a lot of trial and error to find the right brand for him. I sometimes double up if we go out in public (makes changing easier).
Listings of some of the best brands in each category!!
A visual guide as to what's available is also helpful. www.totalhomecaresupplies.com offers a chart-style guide to show product features for diapers, pull-ups, bladder control pads, protective underwear, and belted/beltless undergarments. Here's a link to view this helpful incontinence product selector chart that you may copy and paste to your browser: http://www.totalhomecaresupplies.com/Content.aspx?PageName=Resources_Incontinence_Selection_Guide
My mom has incontinence, both urinary and bowel. She doesn't seem aware of either one happening...especially the bm. At 88 she has a number of physical limitations due to neuropathy and back / neck problems. She is in assisted living, but the staff are not happy with her incontinence. She is on blood pressure and blood thinning medications. Are there suggestions for products or medical procedures that might help her. She is embarrassed, but can't help her leakages.
Everything
I'm temporarily fecal incontinent following surgery 3 wks ago. Since I'm part time back @ work, I found a maxi-pad inside a pullup diaper works well for me. I can take my diaper bag to the washroom as soon as I feel, hear or smell discharge, just change the pad, cleanup with a purse pack or wipes, pack out my smelly stuff in a ziplock bag and I'm good to work vertically longer. Feel cleaner, less obstrusive in office and thriftier (than changing pullups @ work5-6x in 4 hours). Now, if I could just find a way around the pain... :)
As far as the question "is it easy to change" goes, keep in mind that pullups aren't easy to change as you have to remove your pants to pull them on or off (although some have tear away sides that make taking them off easier). The noise issue can often be limited by wearing tight fitting underwear over the product. Also, keep in mind that the more "breathable" a product it, the more comfortable it will be, but also the less odor containing it will be. Breathable briefs are fine for home use where odors don't matter (as much), but in general are a dumb idea.