Q: My elderly parent(s) experience incontinence, and for the first time, I am being asked to help with their clothing and absorbent product changes. I feel like I’m in over my head. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
Answer:
When it comes to helping your aging loved ones with managing incontinence changes and cleanups, the conversations around these intimate activities can be awkward for both sides. It can even change the dynamics of your relationship. Here are a few tips to make it easier on you and on them.
Look for discreet protection
There are several incontinence product features that can help promote discretion and dignity for your loved one. Clothlike materials deter embarrassing swishing noises caused by movement and are gentle against skin; and they have a moisture-proof backsheet that stops leakage just as effectively as products that are made from poly- or plastic materials. Also look for products like Tranquility® that trap odor and help to eliminate pungent smells.
Try Booster Pads for extra wear time and convenience
Booster pads are a special type of pad that can add extra capacity to any brand of disposable absorbent garment, so your loved one can stay dry longer without the need for changing. They come in handy when taking your loved one out for dinner, for traveling and overnight when extra absorption is needed. However, keep in mind that unlike other pads, booster pads have a flow-through design and are not meant to be worn alone in regular underwear, since they lack a moisture-proof backing and will leak if there’s no other garment to catch them. Booster pads can be stacked on top of each other or positioned on the sides, back or front for side, stomach and back sleepers.
Choose high-quality products for enhanced skin health
If the person in your care experiences heavy to severe incontinence (large and sudden voids, loss of bowel or heavy bladder leakage at night), consider using higher-quality briefs and pull-ons with maximum absorbent capacity. Even a small amount of moisture left to sit on the skin can lead to painful rashes and sores. This can further result in complications requiring doctor visits and even hospitalization, which is disruptive and reduces quality of life.
Superabsorbent products like Tranquility quickly wick moisture from the skin and lock fluid into its core, so it doesn’t leak back out. They also neutralize the pH of urine to help prevent skin breakdown and stop the growth of bacteria that can lead to infection.
Ask for help
If you find yourself feeling guilty or frustrated when a loved one has an accident, allow yourself some grace. You can only do so much to help the situation, and mishaps inevitably will occur. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help:
- Tag in a friend or another family member to divide up the caretaking.
- Consider hiring professional aides, if possible.
- Join a support group in your community or online to get tips and ideas.
- Seek medical assistance. Many people think incontinence is just part of aging, but there are medical procedures available that can help with some conditions.
- Contact Tranquility. Our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Care Representatives are available to help with product questions at 1-866-865-6101 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
About Lori Mika
Lori is a sandwich caregiver taking care of both her parents and children. As a certified dementia practitioner, she is passionate about helping others manage the mental strain of seeing their loved ones struggle with incontinence and other medical conditions. As an experienced representative for Tranquility, she works every day to provide caregivers with high-quality products to reduce their stress and uplift their lives.
This article was developed in partnership with, and sponsored by, Tranquility NAFC collaborates with select partners to bring our community information and resources that support bladder and bowel health.
