Incontinence and Elderly Care: Practical Tips for Family Caregivers 0

Caring for a senior loved one comes with its challenges, and managing incontinence is often one of the more sensitive and complex tasks. Incontinence can affect a person’s physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. For caregivers, it can be difficult to navigate this issue with empathy while ensuring effective care. This guide provides practical tips to help you care for your loved one with both dignity and compassion.

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence refers to the inability to control bladder or bowel movements. It’s a common issue among seniors and can stem from various causes, including aging, chronic conditions (such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease), weakened pelvic muscles, or side effects from medications. Understanding the root cause of incontinence is key to developing an effective care plan.

Tips for Family Caregivers

1. Maintain a Routine

Establishing a consistent daily routine can help reduce accidents and provide a sense of stability for your loved one. Encourage regular bathroom visits—for example, every two to three hours—even if they don’t feel the need to go. Having a routine can also help caregivers anticipate needs and minimize disruptions.

2. Choose the Right Incontinence Products

Selecting the right incontinence products is essential for ensuring your loved one’s comfort and dignity while simplifying daily care. Here’s how to make the best choices:

• Understand Absorbency Levels: Incontinence products are available in various absorbency levels to accommodate light leaks, moderate needs, or full incontinence. Assess your loved one’s requirements to choose products that provide optimal protection.

• Consider Product Types: Common options include disposable briefs, pull-up underwear, liners, and pads. Pull-ups are ideal for active individuals, while tab-style briefs work better for those who need assistance changing.

• Prioritize Comfort and Skin Health: Look for products made with breathable, hypoallergenic materials to prevent rashes or irritation. Moisture-wicking layers can further help keep the skin dry. You may try the TENA ProSkin Stretch Ultra unisex disposable and fully breathable briefs.

• Ensure Proper Fit: Ill-fitting products can cause discomfort and leaks. Use the sizing charts provided by manufacturers to find the perfect fit for your loved one.

• Opt for Odor Control Features: Products with built-in odor neutralizers can help maintain a sense of cleanliness and confidence. Check out Prevail's disposable pant liners and briefs with Omni-Odor Guard™, a dual action system to help prevent odors before they start.

• Balance Reusable vs. Disposable Options: Reusable pads or washable protective covers can save money for mild incontinence, while disposable products offer convenience for moderate to heavy cases.

Take time to test different products and brands to find what works best for your loved one’s comfort and lifestyle. Samples may be available for you to try.

3. Promote Healthy Habits

Encourage habits that support bladder and bowel health:

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms. Ensure your loved one drinks enough water throughout the day.

• Balanced Diet: Include fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation, which can exacerbate incontinence.

• Regular Exercise: Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can strengthen the muscles that control urination. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new exercises.

4. Protect Skin Health

Frequent exposure to moisture can lead to skin irritation or infections. To protect your loved one’s skin, use incontinence skin care products:

• Use gentle cleansing wipes or washes after each incident.

• Apply barrier creams to create a protective layer against moisture.

• Choose incontinence products that wick moisture away from the skin.

5. Address Emotional Well-Being

Incontinence can be embarrassing and emotionally distressing for seniors. Approach the topic with sensitivity and reassure your loved one that they are not alone. Encourage open communication and emphasize that incontinence is a manageable condition.

6. Prepare for Outings

Plan ahead to make outings less stressful for both you and your loved one. Pack a discreet bag with extra incontinence products, cleansing wipes, and a change of clothes. Many incontinence pant liners come in individual packaging to allow you to throw them in your purse or bag. Scout locations for accessible restrooms and schedule breaks to minimize accidents.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your loved one’s incontinence worsens, causes significant distress, or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as pain or blood in the urine), consult a healthcare provider. They can recommend treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or medical devices, to address the underlying cause.

Remember Self-Care

Caring for someone with incontinence can be demanding. Remember to take time for yourself, seek support from other family members or caregiver groups, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional help when needed. Your well-being is essential to providing the best care possible.

Managing incontinence requires patience, empathy, and practical solutions. By understanding the condition, choosing the right products, and maintaining open communication, you can help your loved one maintain their dignity and quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support systems available to assist you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: Our content is purely informational and is not intended to be medical advice. Please reach out to your medical professional to address any individual concerns you may have.

Save Your Precious Memories Now 0

Recently, my grandmother passed away just shy of her 99th birthday. She was a firecracker, feisty until the end, and for the most part, sound of body and mind. We were lucky; she was able to meet and get to know many of her great and even great-great-grandchildren over the last nine years of living with my aunt and uncle.

When family would visit her, we would talk about our lives. She wanted to know what was going on, especially the more dramatic moments in our families, and we would ask her to share some of her wisdom. Often, we tried to get her to talk about what it was like growing up in New York during the 1920s and 30s. She would share many stories about her parents and siblings, like how they used to wrap their schoolbooks in paper to protect them from the weather or how her mother would stretch a meal during the Depression but never make them feel like there wasn’t enough to eat. Listening to her describe those years was like stepping back into history. Hearing about how she raised her own children, my father and his siblings, was like listening to a story from another time. She was a dedicated homemaker who washed her children’s shoelaces at night so they would be sparkling white the next morning and she was also the famous teacher who left an impact on her students that spanned generations.

To know some of her life story was to know someone who had grit, warmth, smarts, and endless dedication to her family and friends. For the last nine years of my grandfather – her husband’s – life, she was a caregiver who had a mission to make his days brighter and more meaningful. Seeing them walking carefully down the street arm in arm, dressed to the nines, was a sight to behold.

Now that she has passed, I’m grateful for the moments we shared and the many pictures we have of her with our family, but I’m also realizing that her voice, her detailed stories, are not as documented as they should have been. She was living history, and we don’t have enough of her stories recorded to share with future generations. So, knowing that, I realized it’s time to record my parents and mother-in-law before it’s too late. Even using my cell phone to record videos with our loved ones will be a step in the right direction. I’ll be researching some options to turn our simple phone videos into something we can pass onto future generations and maybe consider hiring someone to record it a bit more professionally as well. Either way, I’m making this a priority, and it might be something for you to consider as well.

Happy recording,

Fran

Did You Know? Bathroom Aids and Medicaid of Washington 0

Effective December 1, 2024, certain bathroom equipment items may be covered by your Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) benefits. These items include:

• Bath/ shower chair
• Tub stool or bench
• Transfer bench
• Toilet safety rail
• Raised toilet seat

Qualification Requirements: In general, to meet medical necessity requirements, a client must be at risk of falls or other injuries while performing activities of daily living necessary to maintain or improve their health, such as bathing or toileting.

Process for Coverage: All medical needs must be documented by your physician, and some products do require prior approval from Apple Health/Medicaid. Professional Medical will assist you with obtaining the necessary documentation from your physician and submitting it for prior approval if applicable.

According to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom. Having the appropriate bathroom safety equipment can help accomplish the following:

• Safety: Reduce fall risk
• Independence: Support self-care and autonomy
• Comfort: Improve your quality of life

Please reach out to us to see how we can assist you with your bathroom safety needs!

Call 206-366-9543 or email us at intake@professionalmedicalcorp.com.

Disclaimer: Our content is purely informational and is not intended to be medical advice. Please reach out to your medical professional to address any individual concerns you may have.

Living With Incontinence: What Products Can Help? 0



When you’re dealing with incontinence, it can sometimes feel as if things are a little complicated. But if you access the right products, life will seem a breeze in comparison.

This article tells you all about a wide range of incontinence products and supplies that will make incontinence much easier to live with so it doesn’t affect your day-to-day.

You’ll also find information on Medicaid Approved incontinence supplies that can be provided based on eligibility with your Medicaid.

In fact, you can quickly pinpoint all the products you need on our website.

What Is Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control that’s quite common and can cause feelings of discomfort.

Incontinence can vary, from losing small amounts of urine when you cough or sneeze, to suddenly feeling a pressing urge to go to the toilet, which you might not make on time.

If you’ve been touched by incontinence, you’ll know the symptoms can be different for everyone, but often tend to increase if you undergo sudden trauma or perhaps have a stress burden in your life.

There are some defined categories of incontinence which help us to understand the root causes of the condition:

Stress incontinence is when you put extra pressure on your bladder through lifting something heavy, exercising or coughing to create a small urine leak.

Overflow incontinence is a constant leak of urine as your bladder never fully empties.

Urge incontinence is a sudden urge to urinate, followed by a loss of urine. This may increase at times and could be caused by an underlying health condition, so it’s a good idea to get this checked out.

Functional incontinence is caused by another condition, such as a disability, that keeps you from reaching the toilet on time.

Mixed incontinence is experiencing more than one type, usually stress and urge incontinence together.

Incontinence can be caused by a range of factors, so it’s recommended that if you’re concerned about any symptoms, you should seek medical advice and support.

It’s also important to note that bowel incontinence affects some people. It manifests in the same way as urinary incontinence, with an urge to go caused by stress or an underlying health condition.

People experience bowel incontinence in differing ways, with some having passive bowel incontinence, where they don’t notice soiling themselves. This is more common in older people and occurs more frequently in women than men.

Bowel incontinence is usually the result of an underlying health condition, such as diarrhoea or constipation. It can also be caused by long term conditions, such as diabetes or dementia.

If your Medicaid program has approved you for eligibility in terms of supplies, then you will find a great range of everything you need - from briefs to pant liners - under the Medicaid Approved category on our website.

Tips To Help You Live Better With Incontinence

If you have developed incontinence - either urinary or bowel - then these handy ideas could help improve your situation in no time at all.

Daily Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercise can support a stronger bladder to lower the chances of incontinence occurring. If you decide to do pelvic floors, then seek help from a medical professional for better results. It probably takes around 3 months for pelvic floors to take effect.

Gentle Exercise

This can help support your all-round general health and a reduction in leaks. Gently exercising each day by walking can lower incontinence events. Core exercises focusing on the tummy strengthen key muscle groups to improve bladder or bowel control.

Reduce Smoking, Caffeine and Alcohol

Cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol contain chemicals that irritate the bladder and bowel to potentially cause incontinence. Eating a healthy diet with lean protein, green vegetables and fruit will help lower your chances of incontinence events.

Avoid Lifting

Lifting heavy objects can put pressure on your bladder or bowel and cause incontinence to take place.

Don’t forget, you can find more information and reliable products to help you live better with incontinence under the dedicated section on our website.

Medicaid Approved Incontinence Products

If your Medicaid/Apple Health benefit program has approved you to be eligible for incontinence supplies, then check out our extensive range of products under the Incontinence Medicaid Approved tab on our website.

Incontinence is a challenge affecting many adults. Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to manage this condition to increase comfort, security and peace of mind. 

If you’re Medicaid approved, we have a large variety for you to browse, from pant liners to briefs and pads, that provide just the right coverage for your individual needs.

Our friendly customer-service experts are available to walk you through your options and we also have samples on most products to try before you buy.

Here’s just a selection of what you can access under the Medicaid Approved Incontinence tab:

Pant Liners

Pant liners are easy to use, discreet and are available in a wide range of sizes and absorbency levels. Quick to grab and pack for the day, giving you the confidence to know that you are safe, secure and dry whatever you’re doing.

Here are some great choices that are available on our website if you’re Medicaid approved and eligible for incontinence supplies.

TENA® Light Heavy Unisex Disposable Bladder Control Pad - 15 Inch, Heavy Absorbency

Dry-Fast Core™ with superabsorbent microbeads that help trap in liquid quickly for effective leakage protection. Cushiony side gathers provide snug fit for great comfort.

Prevail® Daily Pads Female Disposable Bladder Control Pads - Moderate Absorbency

100% Breathable - A fully breathable moisture barrier that allows skin to breathe. Prevail® has Dri-Fit™ cotton enhanced™ comfort to help you feel more natural by keeping your skin dry and comfortable.

Dignity® ThinSerts® Bladder Control Pad 12 Inch Length Light Absorbency Polymer Unisex Disposable

Thin, lightweight pad with a soft, cloth-like, moisture-proof outer barrier. Superabsorbent polymer for dryness and odor control with optimal fluid retention under pressure.

Briefs

Briefs are a smart choice if you’re looking for a more secure, extra-dry experience.

Prevail® Adult Incontinent Brief Per-Fit Tab Closure Disposable Heavy Absorbency

Advanced Zoning System® and breathable zones for maximum leakage protection and skin dryness. 2-wetness indication color changing strips, go from light blue to dark blue.

Disposable Underwear

If you’re looking for the reassurance that you’ll stay dry, then disposable underwear options are a sensible choice.

Sure Care™ Unisex Pull On Absorbent Underwear - Disposable, Heavy Absorbency

Super absorbent core is designed to quickly lock in fluid and neutralize unpleasant odors. Airflow technology allows for air to skin contact, keeping the skin cool, dry and comfortable while minimizing heat build up.

McKesson Ultra Unisex Pull On Disposable Underwear - Heavy Absorbency

Soft, cloth-like breathable material provides discreet comfort and promotes drier, healthier skin. Inner leg cuffs provide added leak protection. Premium acquisition layer rapidly absorbs fluid into the core.

Prevail® Per-Fit® Unisex Pull On Disposable Underwear - Heavy Absorbency

Per-Fit® Underwear is ideal for moderate to heavy incontinence. It’s out-performing other protective underwear products on the market today.

Gloves

McKesson Vinyl Exam Gloves

Reusable Underpads

Beck's Classic 36 x 54 Inch Reusable Underpad - Moderate Absorbency (7155GRN-PB)

Beck's classic underpads are constructed with 3 layers of soft and thick quilting combined with a VINTEX vinyl barrier and a special 5-thread safety stitch for extra durability.

Disposable Underpads

Underpad Prevail® Total Care™ 23 X 36 Inch Disposable Fluff Light Absorbency

Soft, absorbent and durable even when wet, fluff underpads feature a fluff layer to quickly pull and lock up liquid.

Direct Buy Your Incontinence Supplies

You might want to purchase incontinence products directly from our website. If so, we have a substantial collection for you to browse. You can take your time, choose the perfect products to suit your needs and have them delivered in no time at all.

Everything from briefs, underpads, disposable underwear to gloves - you have exclusive access to all the latest incontinence products on the market.

Here’s a few products that are available for you right now.

StayDry® Disposable Wipes with Aloe

Pre-moistened, pleasantly fragranced. Clinically tested on skin to be mild with natural aloe and vitamin E. Soft and strong with a convenient dispensing lid and alcohol-free.

Bladder Control Pad McKesson Regular 8-1/2 Inch Length Moderate Absorbency Polymer Unisex Disposable

Ultra-absorbent polymer core locks wetness away and reduces pH of urine for improved odor control and skin wellness.

McKesson Ultra Underpad, 30 X 30 Inch, Heavy Absorbency (UPHV3030)

Fluff core with superior mat configuration. Heat-sealed, non-woven edges are gentle on skin.

FAQ

1.    Which incontinence products are better for the elderly?

Many older people need a bit more security when it comes to incontinence management. If you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, you might want to check out the pullup, brief and diaper sections on our website, under the tab ‘Incontinence’.

2.    Which incontinence pads work best for me?

Everyone has different needs and people are often looking for a specific benefit from their incontinence product. The best thing is that we stock a huge range of cutting-edge incontinence supplies that deliver the most nurturing care possible.

All you need to do is browse the Incontinence section or the Medicaid Approved Incontinence section on our website to find your perfect products.

3.    Where can I buy my incontinence supplies?

If you’re Medicaid approved and eligible, your incontinence supplies could be covered. We have clear information summaries with signposted supplies and equipment on our website to better support you under our category "Medicaid Approved".

Just head on over to our website to browse all relevant products and find exactly what you need.

We’re Here To Help…

Hopefully, you’ll now have all the information you need about your incontinence supplies.

But if you need anything else, we’re here to give you a helping hand.

If you would like to speak with our customer care experts for great advice about medical supplies or equipment then please contact us on:

Phone:

(206) 366-9543 or (800) 741-3996

 Our lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm PT.

Alternatively, you can email us at:

admin@professionalmedicalcorp.com

Author: Rachel Bashford, Clearcreate Copywriting

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