Adult incontinence is now a prevalent medical problem, yet it does not get the attention it deserves. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says that over 13 adult Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. The National Association for Incontinence (NACI) says about 25 million adult Americans have experienced some form of urinary incontinence. The numbers could be higher if you count the number of people who fear coming forward and others who suffer the loss of bowel control. Recent studies show that adult incontinence is more prevalent among the elderly, with a report by CDC indicating that 50% of adults above 50 years are affected by it. Among these, 75%-80% are women. That means that senior women need more attention when it comes to these symptoms. The good news is that there are innovative incontinence products in the market that can help them manage the problem.
Well, getting your elderly relative, or a patient under your care, to wear a diaper is easier said than done. While adult diapers for women and men are readily available, many older adults do not easily embrace these products. How do you get them to wear incontinence protection? Read on to find innovative tips to guide the elderly to wear diapers and about how to purchase the best products.
Why Do The Elderly Have Problems With Diapers?
Of course, no one would be comfortable having to wear adult diapers. ‘Diapers’ have a traditional association with helpless babies and any adult would feel uncomfortable wearing them. It is a fact that no one wants to accept the coming of old age and the concomitant effects. The elderly who suffer with adult incontinence will even resist seeking medical attention to remedy the situation.
In most cases, it is the embarrassment and stigma associated with a loss of control of bodily functions that causes this reaction. If you want to help, you need to understand this and it will become easier to apply the following techniques when you want an older adult to embrace incontinence protection.
Steps to Convince an Elderly Person to Use Incontinence Protection
Here are some of the simple techniques you can apply to get a loved one to start wearing incontinence protection.
-
Use Your Words Wisely
You have to appreciate the power of language and the impact every word you use will have on the elderly. In this regard, avoid using the term “diaper” in the house, especially when you are in the company of the elderly individual. This term gives all incontinence protection an association with products used by babies. Instead, use terms such as “disposable underwear,” “briefs,” or “adult briefs.”
By being sensitive with the words you use, you will find it easier to convince the elderly under your care to use this incontinence protection. By using respectful terms, you remove the negative connotation associated with diapers. Make sure everyone else in your house or within the care facility understands this.
-
Talk About the Problem and Have Samples Ready
Communication is crucial when providing care, especially to the elderly. You need to address the big issue here, which is the importance of wearing incontinence protection for better quality care. You have to try to convince the older adult that when they do not wear this protection, they have a foul odor and this affects everyone around them. Try to show the positive side of incontinence products, including better hygiene and the ability to move around and interact with family and friends. Use examples of other senior citizens in the family who wear diapers or of others among their friends. Talk about the importance of diapers and their role in averting dangerous skin infections and sores. You need to highlight that wearingincontinence products improves quality of life because everyone loves a better life even in old age. By being open and showing samples to an elderly person under your care, it becomes easier for them to embrace the idea.
-
Visit a Specialist Together
You can leverage the expertise and experience of a family doctor to convince a loved one to start wearing incontinence protection. It is a smart move especially now that the older generation respects medical professionals and takes their advice seriously. When the family doctor or another specialist proposes the use of incontinence products, the elderly individual will embrace the idea quicker.
-
Bring in the Family/Friends
If you are a caregiver, you might have to enlist the input of the family or friends of the elderly patient. In most cases, elderly individuals will listen to and respect a member of their family. Bring them in and let them help convince your patient about the importance of wearing incontinence protection. If there are friends who have gone through this phase, bring them in if possible and their impact will work magic.
-
Try the Sample For a Day
After talking about the importance of incontinence protection, it is time to move a step ahead and use a sample. The best brands in the market offer free samples for users to try on. Now, it is crucial to ensure you find a good fit for the elderly individual. Take their measurements and use adult diaper charts that brands provide to find the right fit. Make sure the sample you use is comfortable, easy to wear and highly effective. After using the sample diaper for a day and enjoying the comfort of staying dry, the patient will love the experience. They will embrace incontinence protection without further questions.
There is no denying that the best adult diapers for women and men have a huge impact on the life of the elderly. They accord them more dignity and improve their quality of life. As a caregiver, you will find it easier to provide a higher quality of care when your elderly patient wears incontinence protection. Better still, these diapers protect the patients from skin infections that can lead to sores.
It is for these reasons that you have to make an effort to convince a loved one to wear incontinence products even when they resist. By talking to them politely and pointing out the benefits of wearing these diapers, they will accept the idea, and you will find it easier to help them wear and experience a positive change.