Incontinence aids for everyday living and carefree nights

Last week, Natasha Bruce-Jones, shared her advice about managing incontinence, so this week we're sharing some additional product advice to help you live with this condition.

Incontinence affects about five percent of the world’s population, and around 1 in 5 people over the age of 80. That makes it a more common condition than asthma and diabetes put together. What’s more, the seven million figure for people reported to be living with incontinence in the UK is almost certainly below the real number, as so many people are reluctant to talk about incontinence and seek help.

One in five over 80s living with urinary incontinence

Stress incontinence is by far the most common form of urinary incontinence in both men and women. Natural deterioration of the pelvic floor muscles is likely to occur in women who have given birth, and the risk increases for women over 50, as a result of the menopause. Prostate-related problems are the leading cause of stress incontinence in men. In particular, removal of the prostate for cancer treatment can weaken the sphincter, which is the muscle that controls urine release.

Managing faecal incontinence

While not as common as urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence still affects more than half a million people in the UK. Difficulty controlling bowel movements is perceived as a more embarrassing problem than urinary incontinence, and is one of the most common reasons a person starts to need permanent care. People with faecal incontinence are often reluctant to leave the house, so it can lead to isolation, loneliness and depression.

If you have any of the following problems, you may have faecal incontinence:

• A sudden urge to go to the toilet
• Soiling yourself without realising you needed the toilet
• Leaking some poo, maybe when passing wind
• It happens on a regular basis (not just when unwell)

There are a number of possible root causes, including constipation, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, stroke and dementia. In many cases, faecal incontinence is treatable, so it is important to speak to a GP to understand why it is happening. Sometimes, something as simple as a change in diet can help.

Even if the condition is not curable, it does mean you can no longer live life to the full. CareCo has a range of products for people living with both urinary and faecal incontinence.

Incontinence wear

At CareCo, we stock an exhaustive range of incontinence wear from market leaders TENA. These include pads and stretch pants, which can be used in combination to provide a discreet solution for small urinary leaks.

They are designed to fit both men and women and come in a range of shapes and sizes. Secure and comfortable, the pads are attached by peel-off strips and are disguised within the stretch pants so nobody will know they are there. They give you the freedom to go about your day with confidence, reducing the risk of leakage or odours.

Stretch pants are machine washable are look no different to regular underwear. They come in a choice of light or medium absorbency to meet different needs.

Commodes

Having a commode in your bedroom or living room can be very useful if your mobility is limited and you have a sudden urge to go to the toilet. These are safe to use and easy to clean, and some models look like padded dining chairs. 

Protecting furniture from accidents

It is impossible to relax in a chair or on your bed if you are constantly on edge worrying about an accident. Our range of bed and chair protection products are designed with both comfort and practicality in mind. Chair pads look and feel like regular seat covers, but are made from a special stay-dry material to absorb the effects of urinary incontinence.

As well as being discreet, they are portable, so you can use them anywhere, including on wheelchairs, mobility scooters and standard furniture. Chair pads are washable, making them a cost effective and environmentally responsible choice.

There is also a range of waterproof bed and mattress protectors and wipeable pillows. For complete peace of mind and a good night’s sleep, these can be used in combination with washable waterproof sheets and duvet sets and a TENA disposable bed pad. 

This provides maximum comfort and durability thanks to its stay-dry surface that sucks up the moisture and a waterproof backing that protects the bed. Washable bed pads are also available as an economical and environmentally-friendly alternative.

Bathroom aids

When you have incontinence of any type, it is important that you are able to use the toilet quickly and safely. More slips and falls happen in the bathroom than anywhere else in the house, and nobody wants to add to that statistic while rushing for the loo. A raised toilet seat makes it easier to lower and raise yourself. There are many raised toilet seats, including seats with or without lids and arms.

If you experience incontinence of any time, it can be both frightening and embarrassing. There is a natural desire to dismiss it as an isolated incident and pretend it is not happening. But the truth is, incontinence is one of the most common conditions, and becomes more so as we get older. It’s something that doctors discuss with their patients every day, so make an appointment with your GP. Once you have identified the root cause, you can make a plan of action to ensure you can continue to live a rewarding life on your own terms.