By Deanna Vigliotta
Whether aging in place at home, or residing in a senior living community, older adults living with incontinence face unique health challenges.
The risk of pressure sores, UTI’s, and falls are all unfortunately common problems that occur in these individuals. However, seniors can greatly reduce their risk of these challenges, and subsequently, reduce their risk of ending up in the hospital by choosing high quality incontinence products. Below are two features to look for in an incontinence product.
1. Fully Breathable Products.
Fully breathable products that allow the skin to breathe will reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Without breathability, the person wearing the product may get skin irritations and skin breakdowns. Not only can these skin irritations become very painful, but the worry, and ancillary negative effects (such as possible hospital admission, decreased quality of life, time, and money) are staggering.
In addition to wearing a fully breathable product, choosing skin care products and washcloths that protect elderly thinning skin are equally as important. Transparent barrier creams and “no water needed” cleansing creams, for example, can aid in reducing risk of irritation.
2. Super Absorbent Products.
Getting a good night’s sleep is important. Super absorbent products are key in helping older adults who have bladder leaks sleep through the night. “Restorative sleep”, the term meaning 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep that allows a person to go through the 4-5 sleep cycles, has many proven benefits, including cell regeneration, tissue healing, hormone regulation, and being more alert in the morning.
If a person is wearing a product that keeps them dry longer, and is made from soft comfortable materials, the likelihood of them staying in bed at night is greater. If they stay in bed, they reduce their risk of falling during the night, whereas others wearing a less absorbent product may wake up in the night, wet and uncomfortable. In turn, that person gets up out of bed groggy and thus a fall may happen. Falls are a leading contributor to hospital admissions. Choosing high quality products helps reduce the risk!
Super absorbent products may also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in older adults if they are wearing a high-quality product with a double absorbent core that locks in urine while decreasing bacterial growth. A double absorbent core helps to wick moisture away from the skin quickly, thus keeping people dry and comfortable, while also reducing urine odor.
If you or a loved one are challenged with incontinence, it is recommended that you inquire about high quality products from a specialized provider, such as Mountain View Services. Their customer support staff is well versed about quality products rather than a consumer buying adult briefs or pull-ups in a “big box” store. Their staff can also help guide consumers to proper size & fit, appropriate absorbency levels, styles, etc., which are all factors in promoting confidence, dignity, and overall well-being for people living with incontinence so they can enjoy everyday life activities. Remember to compare overall value versus cost as this is critical to choosing wisely!
This article was submitted by Deanna Vigliotta, National Sales Manager at TZMO USA INC. Deanna can be reached by email at Deanna.Vigliotta@tzmousa.com or visit www.seni-usa.com for more information. For free Seni product samples, please email marketing@tzmousa.com
