The ageing process is difficult for both the elderly and their families. The most common problems faced by older people is bladder and bowel incontinences.
In most cases, incontinence in elderly is taboo. They refuse to talk about it because it is a personal problem. It is for this reason that family members and caregivers address this situation naturally. They make the elderly understand that they are not responsible for incontinence. It should be treated with dignity so that the affected person maintains their quality of life and live comfortably.
The Causes of Incontinence in Elderly
The most common cause of incontinence in elderly is bladder weakness and difficulty controlling the pelvic muscles. They have already lost tone, whose optimal functioning is irretrievable. It is complicated to manage urinary incontinence in elderly, prompting caregivers to use adult diapers. The diapers prevent the uncontrolled expulsion of body fluids from becoming a problem in their daily routines.
When and Why Adults Wear Diapers?
Diapers are the best solution when addressing double incontinence in elderly. From the moment the older person cannot control their bladder, we recommend using elderly diapers. The caregiver should advise them on using the diapers to avoid losing during the day or wetting the bed at night. It is normal for the elderly to resist using diapers initially. However, we convince them by talking about the benefits of using an adult diaper.
Advantages of Using Elderly Diapers
Comfort - the adult diaper avoids the discomfort that the elderly feel when their bladder leaks and stains their clothes.
Less stresss – the diapers take away the worry associated with urinary and faecal incontinence in elderly. It also reduced the staining on clothes and the anxiety of constantly searching for a nearby bathroom when leaking occurs.
Most diapers for elderly are very thin and absorbent - they won't show through under the clothing.
How to change a diaper on an elderly person is the same as underwear. You remove it like underwear and throw it away.
How to Act When an Older Person Does Not Want to Use Diapers
There are many advantages and improvements the use of adult diaper has on older people, which improves their lives. The truth is that it is a very important change in their routines, although it is not always well accepted.
For caregivers or family members, the diaper is an element of intimate hygiene that guarantees the comfort and well-being of the elders. To the elderly, it is a symbolic character: a representation of a new stage in their lives where they lose control over certain functions of their body.
It is not surprising that adult diapers use can initially present a conflict between the caregiver and the older person. It is essential to approach the situation normally. Offer physical and emotional support to the elder and develop a good cleaning and diapering technique to ensure that this moment is as comfortable as possible.
Once they overcome this obstacle, those who need diapers realize the advantages, freedom and security that these hygiene items provide. From the initial prejudices, one goes to a new concept of the diaper, and it is assumed in good faith that, thanks to it, it is possible to continue with everyday life without limitations.
How to change a diaper on an elderly person
Diaper changes among the elderly should be carried out according to the specific needs for each case. Throughout the day, it is advisable to change the diaper after every three to four hours. For incontinence in the elderly at night, leave it for eight hours and only replace it when they take it off.
The fact is that sooner or later, diapers for elderly will be a common element in the day-to-day lives of older people. Family members and caregivers should be sensitive to their needs as incontinence in elderly is still taboo. They are likely to try and delay diaper use at all costs. Being prepared to approach the issue naturally and act accordingly guarantees success in dealing with this essential change.
