In most cases, incontinence is a taboo subject for the elderly, which they refuse to talk about because it is a personal problem. For this reason, family members and caregivers must deal with this situation naturally and make the elderly understand that they are not responsible for incontinence and must be treated in a dignified manner so that the affected person preserves their quality of life and has maximum comfort.
Factors that cause incontinence
Loss of bladder control is prevalent, especially among women. In women, incontinence occurs throughout their lives due to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. In these cases, incontinence problems are not limited to advanced ages but can appear at other times in the woman’s life.
In the case of the elderly, incontinence affects both sexes equally. The most frequent cause of incontinence in old age is due to the weakness of the bladder and the difficulty that the elderly have in controlling the pelvic muscles, which have already completely lost their tone and whose optimum functioning is irrecoverable. This implies that it is challenging for them to control the expulsion of urine and forces them to use solutions such as adult diapers that prevent this uncontrolled expulsion of body fluids from becoming a problem for developing their routines.
When should adult diapers start?
Adult diapers are the best solution when dealing with the problem of incontinence. It is recommended that from the moment the older adult cannot control their bladder, it is necessary to speak clearly with them and advise them to use an adult diaper that prevents them from leaking during the day or wetting the bed during the night. Night. It is usual for the elderly to resist wearing diapers; however, we must try to convince them by talking to them about the benefits of using adult diapers.
Advantages of using adult diapers
- Comfort, the adult diaper avoids the discomfort felt by the elderly when bladder leaks and stains on their clothes occur.
- Less stress, adult diapers take away the worry of stains on clothes and the anxiety of constantly searching for a nearby bathroom when leaks occur.
- Most adult diapers are very thin and absorbent, so they are not noticeable under clothing.
- Diapers for the elderly are usually removed in the same way as underwear, so they are easy to use and change.
- Disadvantages of using diapers in the elderly
- The non-acceptance of the incontinence problem leads to the non-acceptance of the need to use this type of hygiene item.
- I feel insecure when walking or moving due to new circumstances for older people.
- Lack of adaptation to the limitations of sphincter control that force the use of diapers in older adults.
- Problems of an emotional nature. For an adult, starting to use diapers can be interpreted as a setback in their essential functions.
How to act when an older person does not want to use diapers?
Despite the innumerable advantages and improvements that the use of diapers will bring to the lives of older people who need them, the truth is that it is a significant change in their routines and is not always well accepted.
Once that first obstacle has been overcome, older people who need diapers realise the advantages, freedom and security these hygiene elements provide them. From the initial prejudices, a new concept of the diaper is passed, and it is accepted with the better spirit that, thanks to it, it is possible to continue everyday life without limitations.
Types of diapers for the elderly
There are two elemental urinary incontinence diapers for the elderly: the anatomical diaper and the elastic diaper.
The anatomical diaper is one size fits all and perfectly fits each person through its adhesive strips. This type of diaper is suitable for people with mobility difficulties or severe incontinence.
How to change diapers in older people
Changing diapers in the elderly should be done according to the specific needs of each case, but throughout the day, it is advisable to change the diaper at least every three or four hours. During the night, it can be left for eight hours unless the older man takes off his diaper at night and we have to replace it.
Changing diapers in bedridden adults
Have on hand the clean diaper that you will put on, wet wipes, a bed pad to place under the elderly and prevent the bed from staining, and talcum powder or moisturiser to clean the adult before putting on the new diaper. Try to have all these objects as close as possible so that you do not have to leave the older adult alone in the middle of the diaper change to find something you have forgotten.
Place a clean bed pad on top of the sheets along the patient’s back to avoid soiling the sheets during diaper changes.
Gently remove the dirty diaper between the older adult’s legs, roll it up and throw it in the trash.
When applying the talcum powder or moisturiser to reddened or irritated areas of the elderly, be careful to use a weak layer as too much moisturiser or talcum powder can cause excess moisture and cause a rash in the elderly when you apply the talcum powder—new diaper.
Unfold the clean diaper and place it between the older man’s legs. Make sure the diaper is smooth and wrinkle-free, as a wrinkled diaper can rub against the elderly’s skin and cause irritation or sores.
Help the patient roll onto their back and pull the diaper, smoothing it out again. Then, adjust the diaper tabs around the senior’s waist and check that the diaper is snug. To do this, gently tug the diaper’s sides and ensure it doesn’t come loose when the adult moves.
Always ensure the older person has an ample supply of the diapers he needs and is in the correct size.
Changing diapers in adults with some mobility
Many older adults have enough autonomy to change their diapers without help. In other cases, you may not have enough coordination skills to make this change, but you do have enough strength and balance that you don’t have to lie on a bed.
This diapering technique is helpful with both form-fitting diapers and stretch diapers. It is enough that the adult can stand for a few minutes and that the caregiver has the necessary experience to act quickly. The procedure is the next:
Choose a suitable location so the older person can feel comfortable and safe, preferably with something nearby to lean on or hold on to.
Protect yourself with gloves to avoid contact with diaper fluids.
Have the diaper used in the change ready, of the correct size and stretched to facilitate its proper placement.
Remove the used diaper and deposit it in the bin for this type of waste.
Ask the person being treated to open or slightly flex their legs to perform optimal genital cleaning, following the instructions for changing diapers in bedridden people.
Place the new diaper pulling well upwards to ensure its correct position. If necessary, the adult can hold the back of the diaper while the caregiver makes sure the front is adjusted correctly.
Buy adult diapers
The usual thing is that sooner or later, diapers become a common element of everyday life for older people. Family members and carers should be aware of their needs as incontinence are often taboo for the elderly, and they are likely to try to delay diaper use at all costs. Preparing to approach the issue naturally and acting accordingly guarantees success when facing this critical change.
