| If you are a caregiver, of an elderly loved one, you | | | | needed. This way the brief can be removed easier by |
| may be overwhelmed with all the decisions you need | | | | the caregiver. In addition, many seniors who have light |
| to make. This can be further complicated if your loved | | | | incontinence, may simply need a pad, or guard that can |
| one begins having incontinence. This can be a | | | | be inserted into regular underwear. These pads and |
| challenge to deal with, especially because of the | | | | guards are also made specifically for men and women |
| emotional nature of the problem. However, there are a | | | | as well. |
| wide variety of products to choose from that make | | | | - Night-time incontinence-If incontinence is more severe |
| dealing with incontinence easier, and more manageable. | | | | at night, then other products should be considered as |
| Before purchasing any product, it becomes important | | | | well. Bed pads can protect mattresses and make |
| to determine what the specific needs are for your | | | | sleeping more comfortable. There is also night-time |
| elderly loved one and for yourself. Understanding these | | | | underwear that is more absorbent, and can be worn |
| considerations can make choosing the right | | | | for more hours at a time. |
| incontinence product much easier, saving you both time | | | | - Other considerations-If odor is a problem, because of |
| and money. Here are some things to consider when | | | | incontinence, then a caregiver may want to help |
| answering the question-Which type of incontinence | | | | choose a product that has odor control. This way the |
| product should I use? | | | | senior can maintain some dignity and discretion, even |
| - Gender and size of the elderly-Gone are the days of | | | | when having to deal with this problem. The product |
| one type of incontinence product for everyone. Since | | | | should state whether it comes with odor control. In |
| the physical needs of each gender are vastly different, | | | | addition, skin care may also become an issue. Delicate |
| today's disposable underwear products are designed | | | | skin can be irritated by incontinence. Today there is a |
| specifically for men or women. In addition, | | | | wide variety of products available from self-cleansers, |
| manufacturers are now applying sizing to these items. | | | | wipes and moisturizers that are specifically formulated |
| No longer do smaller people have to put up with | | | | to protect skin, from the irritation caused from |
| underwear that is far too big, and larger individuals can | | | | incontinence. |
| find sizes that are comfortable for them. | | | | - Cost-These products can be costly, due to the large |
| - Style of the product-Style means a lot more then, | | | | amount that is used. Many caregivers are hesitant to |
| how they look, as it pertains to disposable underwear, | | | | buy these products, without trying them first, due to the |
| and briefs. If your senior is still fairly active, able to | | | | money that needs to be invested. Shopping around |
| dress him or herself, and wants to wear regular | | | | can save you money. |
| clothing, then a pull-on, pull-off style, similar to regular | | | | Incontinence is a challenging issue. Many times |
| underwear, might be the right choice. On the other | | | | caregivers have questions, and concerns, and feel that |
| hand if your senior has limited mobility, or requires | | | | they have nowhere to turn. But, there are resources |
| intensive care, then a more adult diaper style may be | | | | available and the answers can be easily found. |