Incontinence care requires patience and gentle care.
Even if the incontinence cannot be cured, it can be
controlled so that the person's quality of life can be
improved. The emphasis should be on appropriate
treatment rather than on palliative measures such as
using catheters, sheaths unless the physician orders
it. Long term use of catheters can cause infections.
A warning: some products make wide-ranging claims with
little or no scientific backing. If you're in doubt over
the effectiveness of a product, consult with your doctor
first.
Patient Choice
Enable the patient to make an informed choice when
selecting incontinence products is important. Provide
them several options. They're probably
embarrassed, talk
to them in privacy.
Sensitivity
Many people shy away from wearing protective
undergarments because they don't want to wear a "diaper,"
or believe that the undergarment will be visible through
their clothing. In fact, the diaper-style undergarment
is only one of a selection of possible under-garments.
Care should be taken not to call these products
"diapers" as this may offend and
embarrass the person
needing to wear them. Chose another name such as
"protective wear".
Types of Products
Pull-up undergarments pull on and off like
regular underpants. They can handle mild to moderate
leakage.
Belted Under
Garments provide protection to the front and
back, and attach by means of elastic belts. They allow a
little more freedom of movement, but the belts can fit
quite tightly. They are best used for mild to moderate
incontinence.
Pads
& Pant Systems come in a variety of designs.
Specially designed male and female pads are available.
The insert attaches to underwear with adhesive strips.
Most pads handle mild incontinence well, and some can
absorb moderate leakage.
