500 Different Types of Adult Diapers - How to Sort Them Out
After the age of 60 many adults will experience problems with incontinence. It is quite common to see women experience incontinence as they go through menopause and need to use products that help to catch the extra urine that leaks from their bladder when they laugh, cough, or sneeze. This type of incontinence is known as stress incontinence and it is the most common type of incontinence experienced by both men and women. It often happens more to women that have given birth as childbirth often causes the pelvic floor muscles to stretch out and they are not as likely to hold in the urine as they once could. The weaker muscles can not only lead to urine problems they can also cause fecal problems as well.Once you have been diagnosed by your doctor you can start exploring your options to find relief from incontinence. Many women find that using adult diapers is the best option. The new adult diapers are made specifically for both sexes, making it easy to manage incontinence and to still have a social life. Since you are in the market for adult diapers, let’s go over some of the different types that are out there so you can find the one that is perfect for your condition. Some of the categories you will see include the following:· Pads or liners· Adult briefs· Protective underwear· Beltless garments· Belted undergarmentsThere are products that can be reused and others that are disposable. So which one is right for you? It depends on your situation. It helps to have a look at the many products that are out there so you can find the right one: LiveAnew BestFit As far as adult diapers go, the most popular type that is chosen are the adult briefs. These diapers are very discrete and will help you to maintain your dignity as other people will not be able to tell that you are wearing the diapers. You can purchase them in disposable diapers or in reusable ones. The reusable diapers are less expensive and they are made from cotton, which helps them to appear closely to your regular underwear. These briefs are lightweight and are going to be the best option you have if you would like to find underwear that is as close to what you are used to wearing. Protective underwear is also commonly used but it is mostly used for individuals that tend to have more urine leakage throughout the day. The padding is much thicker from the briefs and you can purchase them in a pull up diaper. For light problems, pads and liners are wonderful options. These products allow you to wear your normal underwear, you just have to attach the pad or liner to it. It has a sticky backing so that it will stay secured in place when you are wearing the pad throughout the day. Overnight diapers are commonly used for those individuals that have problems at night. Using the overnight diapers will allow you stay safe at night and really will protect your bedding! No matter which type of adult diaper you choose to use you need to make sure you are using the right product for your situation. You have to look at the different sizes and styles to find one that will be comfortable for your needs and will allow you to enjoy your life without worrying about wetness and embarrassment from urinary incontinence.
Meaningful Activities For Seniors With Alzheimer's
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often have difficulty engaging in meaningful activities. Their limitations caused by dementia and the effects of Alzheimer’s often lead to an inability to connect with and enjoy their environment as well as those around them. Game playing can be a great way to help senior’s with Alzheimer’s pass the time, while also providing a means of stimulation, memory triggering, and so much more. Alzheimer’s is a progressive memory loss disease. It starts with mild memory loss, and progresses over the course of years to severe memory loss, so much so that many who suffer from Alzheimer’s can’t distinguish dreams from reality, forget how to talk, eat, and in many cases are unable to respond to their environment. It is the most common form of Dementia, and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure, only treatment options and medications to lessen symptoms, and provide comfort to those with the disease. Being able to engage in meaningful activities can go a long way to lifting the spirits, as well as the cognitive function, of those with Alzheimer’s. However, many activities, including game playing, can be a challenge. Some of the issues that face Alzheimer’s sufferers that can stand in the way of playing games include: Problem solving difficulty- games cannot be complex. Memory loss- Games have to have short play times and simple rules. Difficulty remembering rules- The games have to be familiar, or have simple rules. Trouble with spatial relationships- Games cannot require building or activities that require spatial relationships. Difficulty reading, judging distance, color, contrast, etc.- They can’t involve cards, suits, etc. Even a game like Phase 10 can be too difficult if the player can’t distinguish colors. Difficulty with conversation, struggle with vocabulary- Those with Alzheimer’s often have trouble finding names for even familiar objects, so games can’t require a lot of verbal communication. Social withdrawal- Often groups of people can be overwhelming and confusing, as conversations are more difficult to follow, etc. Games have to be single player, or require only a few players to work. Difficulty remembering newly learned info- Again, this means rules have to be simple and familiar. Difficulty performing tasks that were once simple- Games that require holding cards, a seemingly simple task, can be a real challenge to someone with Alzheimer’s and can lead to more frustration than enjoyment. Difficulty with basic tasks- Rolling the dice, following a specific order of play, or exchanging items in play can be difficult. As you can see, the physical and mental limitations do not make it easy to find games to provide a meaningful activity for the senior. The R.O.S. Therapy System is a great tool for those looking to provide meaningful and useful activity for their senior loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The tray is the heart of the system, acting as a console that facilitates a variety of activity boards or games. They simply slide in when the user is ready to play, and can be switched out. The boards and console are easy to clean, easy to use, and were designed with the mental and physical limitations of those with dementia in mind. The R.O.S. Therapy System helps with the socialization, reality testing, cues for reminiscence, tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation, as well as increased avenues toward motivation. Because it can be individualized for clients and patients, it can be used to trigger memories, and stimulate conversation and connection. It offers a chance for increased self-worth, pride and esteem, while also providing an outlet for creative expression as well as fun.
Malnutrition in the Elderly: Causes, Costs and Consequences
Put simply, malnutrition is a state of nutrition (under or overnutrition) in which a lack of protein, energy and other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on tissue and/or body form, composition, function or clinical outcome. In this section, we will focus on undernutrition as a nutritional concern.Malnutrition can be significant if a person has:a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m2 a BMI less than 20kg/m2 and has had unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last 3-6 months had unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the last 3-6 monthsPeople are also at risk of becoming malnourished if they have eaten very little or nothing for more than 5 days and/or this pattern is likely to continue. Malnutrition is, and continues to be, a serious problem in the UK. Worryingly, more than 1 in 4 of all adults admitted for a hospital stay, to a mental unit or a care home is at risk of malnutrition, which is a staggering statistic. It is a well-documented fact that worldwide, the elderly population is increasing, and with it, the incidence of malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality in independently living older people, as well as in nursing home residents and hospitalised patients. [5,6] BAPEN NSW 2007 revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition amongst our elderly population: 35% in adults over 80 years of age 25 – 35% in adults 60 – 80 years 25% in adults less than 60 years of age Causes of MalnutritionThere are many causes of malnutrition. These can include: Reduced intake: Poor appetite due to illness, food aversion, nausea or pain when eating, depression, anxiety, side effects of medication or drug addiction Inability to eat: This can be due to investigations or being held nil by mouth, reduced levels of consciousness; confusion; difficulty in feeding oneself due to weakness, arthritis or other conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dysphagia, vomiting, painful mouth conditions, poor oral hygiene or dentition; restrictions imposed by surgery or investigations Lack of food availability: poverty; poor quality diet at home, in hospital or in care homes; problems with shopping and cooking Impaired absorption: This can be due to medical and surgical problems effecting digestion & stomach, intestine, pancreas and liver /or absorption Altered metabolism: Increased or changed metabolic demands requirements related to illness e.g. cancer; surgery, organ dysfunction, or treatment Excess losses: Vomiting; diarrhoea; nutrient fistulae; stomas; losses from nasogastric losses tube and other drains or skin exudates from burns People at risk of MalnutritionThose most vulnerable to malnutrition include: People just discharged from hospital Elderly people (16% in residential care) People with cancer and other long-term conditions People recovering from surgery Consequences of MalnutritionMalnutrition can often go undetected and when left untreated, it can have serious consequences on health, which include: Increased risk to infections Delayed wound healing Impaired respiratory function Muscle weakness and depression Costs of MalnutritionMalnutrition has been estimated to cost the NHS an incredible $12 billion each year, which is more than double the projected $5.7 billion cost that will be spent tackling obesity.This cost is based on patients who suffer from malnutrition: Needing a greater number of GP consultations Needing more frequent and more prolonged hospital admissions Having a higher rates of complications and mortality compared with nourished patients Detection of MalnutritionWith patients who you suspect are malnourished (or likely to become so), it is vital you identify the problem early so you can provide support and achieve the most effective use of resources. Although biochemical measurements can contribute to nutritional assessment, none can reliably measure nutritional risk e.g. a low serum albumin is almost always a marker of an acute phase response or fluid overload rather than a marker of malnutrition.There is therefore really no alternative to measurements of weight and height, along with other anthropometric measures in specialist circumstances. These measurements can then be used with the following questions: Has your patient been eating a normal and varied diet in the last few weeks? Has your patient experienced intentional or unintentional weight loss recently? Obesity or fluid balance changes and oedema may mask loss of lean tissue. Rapid weight loss is a concern in all patients whether obese or not Can your patient eat, swallow, digest and absorb enough food safely to meet their likely needs? Does your patient have an unusually high need for all or some nutrients? Surgical stress, trauma, infection, metabolic disease, wounds, bedsores or history of poor intake may all contribute to such a need Does any treatment, disease, physical limitation or organ dysfunction limit your patient’s ability to handle the nutrients for current or future needs? Does your patient have excessive nutrient losses through vomiting, diarrhoea, surgical drains etc? Does a global assessment of your patient suggest under nourishment? Low body weight, loose fitting clothes, fragile skin, poor wound healing, apathy, wasted muscles, poor appetite, altered taste sensation, altered bowel habit. Discussion with relatives may be important In the light of all of the above, can your patient meet all of their requirements by voluntary choice from the food available? Understanding that asking these questions take a significant amount of time and expertise, a number of screening tools have been developed to help you identify whether your patient is at risk of malnutrition. Given the high prevalence of malnutrition and lack of proper management of patients in various settings, performing a routine nutritional ‘screening’ should result in early identification of patients who might have otherwise been missed.A screening tool should therefore help establish reliable pathways of care for patients with malnutrition. Screening for malnutrition (and the risk of malnutrition) should be carried out by healthcare professionals with appropriate skills and training.
Finally… An Incontinence Swim Diaper for Older Children, Teens and Adults
If necessity is the Mother of Invention, perhaps mothers are the best inventors. When Discovery Trekking Outfitters designed their adult swim diaper for those who are incontinent, they did so out of need. Diane, one of the partners, could not find an effective swim diaper for her teenage son, so he was not allowed in the pool. Although there were a few products available, they simply didn’t fit properly which resulted in poor containment. They were difficult to put on and rigid fabric did not allow for ease of movement. It wasn’t hard to see that the design was wrong. Finding the right fabric was a challenge. As the owner of Discovery Trekking, Diane's expertise was in specialty fabrics. She realized that she could not simply use cotton or nylon, which is what most existing swim diapers are made from. The garment had to be waterproof, but comfortable next to skin. She insisted on 4-way stretch to fit snugly and increase adjustability. The fabric she wanted did not exist, so she worked with several mills to develop what we needed. While more costly, it would have been pointless to manufacture something that wasn’t exactly right. Available in 9 sizes $50-$60 depending on size (shipping is included) Many of our clients lead active lives and are able to dress themselves, however some cannot. Therefore the swim diaper needed to open fully for ease in dressing. There are many body shapes, and the Velcro closures enable adjustments that take this into consideration. The garment can be closed on an angle to accommodate anyone, including persons with small waist and large hips, or persons with larger waist sizes and smaller thighs. This is extremely important for both comfort and effectiveness. Each swim diaper fits a waist or hip size range to allow for weight gain or loss, in sizes from x-small to 5XL.Diane did not set out to become manufacturer of continence products. In fact, Discovery Trekking has grown mainly due to the huge popularity of their specialty moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial towels, stay-dry bedding, and clothing. Most large continence manufacturers have overlooked the needs of adults that require products such as the adult swim diaper. Think of them as Little Swimmers for bigger people. Maybe the name should be named Big Dippers! We continue to provide such necessary products so others will not share the frustration Diane felt when her son was not allowed to swim. LiveAnew sells adult swim diaper products, including adult and youth swim diaper choices, adult size swim diaper reusable products, and adult swim diapers in several colors. Adult swim diapers allow people with fecal incontinence to get back into life. We have swim diapers in many youth and adult sizes and in several colors. Whether you have a special needs child or experience incontinence yourself, these swim diapers allow you to enjoy life a bit more. Adult swim diaper products allow you to confidently spend time at the beach or in the pool. Youth swim diapers help older children or very small adults. An adult size swim diaper allows you to use the pool because they provide containment for fecal incontinence (not urine). An adult swim diaper or youth swim diaper can be very comforting for those who could not otherwise swim in the pool Get Back Into Life! It seems like only yesterday that Kimberly-Clark introduced Little Swimmers brand swim pants. They were an instant sensation and many pools required them. They were fine for babies and little kids... but that was all. Until now. The new Swim Pants are designed to be worn next-to-skin under a swim suit. They are specifically made for bowel containment. Also works great as a cover up for disposable or cloth diapers The Nitty Gritty Comfortable fit: High tech stretch polyurethane fabric with soft fleece lining Fits comfortably and discreetly Wear under a bathing suit, next to skin Worn under swim suit: Designed for bowel containment with strong velcro closures Versatility: Also great as a diaper cover for cloth or disposable diapers Security in the pool: Elastic waist & legs for added security Polyester/Spandex blend bonded to a waterproof polyurethane shell. Latex free. 9 sizes for a perfect fit: XS to 5XL; fits waist/hip sizes 22" to 58" - unisex Women order by hip sizing; men by waist Machine wash warm; hang to dry Not returnable Need a pair custom made for a pre-teen or larger child who has outgrown disposable swim diapers like Little Swimmers. Call us at 1-800-411-3008
10 Tips to Help Those With Dementia Manage Incontinence
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist A recent study shows patients diagnosed with symptoms of dementia are more likely to be incontinent. Following are practical tips for managing incontinence while coping with dementia and information on how one company is engaging minds and funding Alzheimer’s research.Patients diagnosed with dementia have three times the rate of diagnosis of urinary incontinence and four times the rate of fecal incontinence, according to a study published in August in PLOS Medicine, a journal of the Public Library of Science. Dementia refers to a set of symptoms, which may include loss of recent memory, poor judgment, or difficulty with language or performing familiar tasks. Alzheimer’s, a neurological disease, accounts for a large percentage of dementia cases, although there are other causes.When patients have trouble recognizing physical urges or remembering where a bathroom is located, it can contribute to bladder or bowel incontinence. Certain medications also relax the bladder muscles or cause increased urination.The Alzheimer’s Association is a valuable source of tips for helping a loved one cope with dementia and incontinence. Here are some ideas:1. Regular reminders of where a bathroom is located.2. Encouraging a regular bathroom schedule.3. Ensuring the path to the bathroom is well lit and free of obstacles.4. Proving visual cues, such as painting the bathroom door a contrasting color and posting a toilet sign on the door.5. Increasing bathroom safety with grab bars, a raised toilet seat and a bath bench.6. Providing clothing that is easy to remove, with no complicated belts or buttons.7. Using an Incontinence Product Finder to narrow down products by gender, absorbency, style and price.8. Explaining the importance of keeping skin clean, moisturized and protected, using products made to prevent breakdown and infection.9. Protecting bedding and furniture with disposable pads. 10. Encouraging a loved one to cut back on fluids before bedtime or long trips, but never withholding fluids, which can lead to dangerous dehydration. R.O.S. Benefit Bundle is designed to keep minds active. In 2012, The CareGiver Partnership joined forces with R.O.S. Therapy Systems, a North Carolina company that develops activity tools for seniors and adults living with dementia, Parkinson’s, and various physical and developmental challenges. R.O.S. products are designed to stimulate social interaction, increase engagement and positive emotions, and promote use of cognitive abilities. Each R.O.S. Benefit Bundle includes coupons for valuable savings from partnering organizations like The CareGiver Partnership and Visiting Angels. For each Benefit Bundle sold, R.O.S. donates $50 to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fund research and support programs.The Public Library of Science is a nonprofit publisher headquartered in San Francisco, with an editorial office in the United Kingdom. It advocates open-access publishing as a sustainable way to publish peer-reviewed research. Read the full article on dementia and incontinence.Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support.
