A Caregiver’s Guide to the Best Incontinence Products for Those with Dementia

When dealing with dementia, there is no one-size-fits-all approach — every case and every person is different. You need to consider the severity level of dementia, their dexterity level, as well as their personal preferences. Find greater ease and care by using the best incontinence products on the market for those dealing with dementia and continence issues.

How Premium Incontinence Products Help Those With Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing incontinence. There is a strong correlation between dementia and the need for premium incontinence products. Here’s why opting for high-quality, super absorbent products is crucial for both the individual and their caregivers:

Communication Barriers: Individuals with dementia often struggle to express their need to urinate or the urgency associated with it. This makes it difficult for caregivers to anticipate and manage incontinence effectively. As a result, premium products are even more important, as they are designed to handle unpredictable usage and varying amounts of urine.
Handling Unpredictable Volume and Frequency: Dementia can lead to significant variability in the frequency and volume of urination. Super absorbent incontinence products are specially engineered to manage this unpredictability. Their superior absorbency and capacity to handle large volumes reduces the risk of leaks.
Minimizing Stress: Frequent adult diaper changes can be distressing for individuals with dementia. They might become agitated or confused during changes, making the process challenging for everyone involved. Premium incontinence supplies are designed to be highly absorbent and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent changes. This is particularly beneficial at night, as it leads to better sleep.
Preventing Leaks and Extra Laundering: Generic, low-quality incontinence products often lead to leaks and increased laundry, adding to the caregiver's workload. For home caregivers, managing the care of a loved one with dementia is already demanding. Using premium incontinence products with advanced features like high-quality superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and effective leak guards can significantly reduce the occurrence of leaks and the need for constant laundering.

Evening and Overnight Use: Nighttime incontinence can be particularly challenging. Absorbent premium products with robust leak protection offer peace of mind during the night. They ensure the individual stays dry and comfortable, and caregivers can rest easier knowing the risk of leaks and nighttime disruptions is minimized.

Opting for high-quality adult diapers, pads, liners, etc. is essential when caring for someone with dementia. They offer superior absorbency, fewer changes, and better protection against leaks. By investing in premium products, caregivers can provide more effective and dignified care for their loved ones.

The Best Incontinence Products for Those With Dementia

Whether it’s adult diapers, incontinence pads, liners, underpads, or more, below are the best incontinence products to choose for those struggling with dementia.

Adult Diapers

Offering maximum absorbency for people with moderate-to-severe incontinence, adult diapers give both the individual with dementia as well as caregivers and family members better peace of mind. Coming in a variety of styles, the adhesive tab feature customizes a better fit and is a great solution for caregivers helping those who have limited dexterity.

We recommend:

Pull-Ups & Protective Underwear

Pull-ups or protective underwear, which resemble regular underwear and are easy to pull up and take off, are a great solution for those with limited dexterity or who don’t want to wear adult diapers. They come in a variety of absorbency levels for urinary and fecal incontinence and are easy to change.

We recommend:

Underpads

For an added layer of overnight protection, it’s wise to use underpads, or bed pads, on your loved one’s sheets so that no leakage will ruin the sheets. These underpads also absorb liquid and provide a wide area of coverage.

We recommend:

Product Features to Look For

Note special considerations when shopping for adult incontinence products for your loved one so they feel comfortable and confident:

Find products that are easy to use: Pull-ups are easier to use than diapers if your loved one is putting them on and removing the protective underwear themselves, while adult diapers may be a better option if you or another caregiver is changing the diapers for them. Have a conversation with your loved one and assess their specific needs to come up with the best solution.
Look for products with a leak-proof design: Look for leak guards around the legs and elasticized waistbands to prevent unnecessary leaks and ensure a good fit.
Consider skin health: Skin health and hygiene are important factors to consider while shopping for adult incontinence products. Look for breathable materials such as cotton to prevent skin irritation and products with a wetness indicator, so you know when the product needs to be changed. Make sure your loved one bathes regularly and uses any necessary moisturizers, creams, or ointments to prevent rashes or irritants.
Consider the absorbency level: Assess your loved one’s needs and make sure they have a high enough absorbency level, which may differ from day to night.
Consider discreetness: Those with dementia may feel uncomfortable or even ashamed when they need to use incontinence products. Opt for incontinence products with a low noise level or a better fit so they’ll feel comfortable enjoying their regular activities.
Take advantage of free samples: Some manufacturers offer free samples so your loved one can try the products before committing to them, ensuring the best fit.

Additional Tips for Managing Dementia and Incontinence

When you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to make them feel comfortable, clean, and taken care of.

Stay hydrated and reduce bladder irritants: Make sure your loved one is getting adequate water throughout the day, but limit fluid intake before bed to prevent more accidents. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks that can irritate the bladder and create more urgency and frequency to go.
Ensure bathroom safety: It’s important to make the bathroom safe, easy to navigate, and accessible. Consider installing grab bars near the toilet and shower or bath, and raise the toilet seat if needed for easier access. Keep the bathroom clutter-free and install night lights.
Keep a regular bathroom schedule: If you are helping your loved one go to the bathroom, keep a regular schedule by taking them to the toilet every couple of hours, and look for signs that they need to go — fidgeting and pulling on clothes are typically strong indicators.
Practice bladder training: For some dementia patients, encourage them to go again right after they go the first time (double voiding), so they empty their bladder as much as possible. Keep with a schedule to train the bladder and create more of a structure around their elimination times. This should help with both urinary and fecal incontinence.
Keep communication lines open: Offer positive reinforcement, gentle encouragement and simple language when helping your loved one use the bathroom. Listen to their needs and pick up on physical cues to their feelings if they can’t entirely communicate them. Respect their privacy and ensure you’re on the same page about the help they need without being overbearing or the opposite: not helping them when needed.
Keep cleanliness and hygiene in mind: When individuals have urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence issues, skin irritation can arise. Regularly change incontinence products and clean the perineal area to prevent skin irritation. Apply barrier creams to protect the skin from other issues.

Get Started with Parentgiving

When it comes to managing incontinence due to dementia and Alzheimer’s, the right products, care, and proper hygiene are key. We offer a wide selection of premium incontinence products and educational resources that help dementia patients and caregivers. Find the solutions you need today.

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