By Lynn Wilson, Co-Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
There are as many incontinence products on the market today
as there are types and causes of leakage, and buying the wrong product is an
expensive mistake.
New research from the University of Michigan, published in
the journal Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, shows caring for a patient with
fecal incontinence costs $4,110 per person per year. Factored into this figure
are direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs and loss of productivity.
Choosing the right incontinence products can help minimize
costly mistakes. First, choose a retailer who offers trial samples, personalized advice from caregivers and
doorstep delivery. Then consider activity level and how the individual wants to
wear and remove the product.
For Active Men and
Women
Men and women who are physically active — through exercise,
travel or socializing — may like products that look and feel like regular
underwear. Prevail makes boxers for men
that look like ordinary pull-on boxers but offer moderate to heavy incontinence
protection. Stride
now makes washable boxer
briefs and classic briefs that look like regular underwear. Even the most
active of dads, such as those who play sports or travel, can comfortably wear
them all day.
You may have seen a recent video of actress Lisa Rinna
modeling Depend Silhouette
for Women under an evening gown. (If you haven't, see the link at the end of this article.) Designed to be quiet, clothlike and smooth
fitting, this pull-on brief helps enhance normalcy while offering moderate to
heavy incontinence protection.
Machine-washable incontinence panties, such as Fanny Pants,
are a eco-friendly, practical and stylish option. Great for those who need a little protection when exercising or have small dribbles. Multi-layered washable pads fit into the gussets in the underwear.
Solutions for the
Moderately Active
Men and women who are less active but appreciate comfort can
choose from many garment styles and manufacturers. Undergarments, which absorb
a smaller amount of urine than full briefs, are held in place with elasticized or
button straps.
Offering greater absorbency are pull-on underwear, which are
put on and taken off just like regular underwear but include stretchy side
panels for a snug fit and tear-away sides for removal. Adjustable underwear
typically have similar tear-away sides but add repositionable tabs for easy
fitting.
Men who’ve undergone prostate surgery and have temporary
incontinence may choose guards. Made by a variety of manufacturers, this
product may be worn with regular underwear to catch leaks.
Best Products for the
Sedentary
In cases where absorbency is the most important concern, we
recommend the Wellness
Brief. It absorbs 87 ounces, so it’s ideal for overnight use and going longer
periods between changes. Active seniors also choose this product for travel,
when bathroom schedules can be uncertain.
Briefs, also often called adult diapers, offer maximum
protection for complete loss of bladder or bowel control. This style has tape
tabs for easy caregiver removal. Briefs may be combined with waterproof
underpads placed on beds and chairs to protect against urine and feces.
To learn more about these products, visit our Incontinence
page or try our Incontinence
Product Finder.
Lynn Wilson
founded The CareGiver Partnership based on her experience in caring for loved
ones as well as providing the highest level of customer service. She takes
pride in offering personalized service that helps her customers find the best
solutions for their individual needs. Now that her children are grown, Lynn
enjoys spending time with her granddaughter while also helping to care for her
mom. To find out how The CareGiver Partnership can serve you, call
1-800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST.
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