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Managing incontinence care at home

Many caregivers over the years have been surprised when I shared that they could keep their loved one home even when they became incontinent.  While I think it is very important that each family caregiver examine their boundaries and know their own limitations, I also know that with the right information, skills and products, managing incontinence at home is possible.
It is possible to continue to provide care at home when the person you care for becomes incontinent.  There are a number of products that make this care easier, and many "tricks" you can employ to make the tasks more efficient. 

Supplies you will need:

• Adult wet wipes - some are flushable some are not - be sure you know which kind you are using
• Odor neutralizing spray - there are many natural options available in addition to traditional odor   masking sprays
• Gloves - disposable latex gloves work best
• Incontinence pads - see my blog on choosing incontinence supplies
• Change of clothing - include socks as they often get soiled when there is leakage
• Extra plastic grocery bag to put soiled garment into - Hang the bag on a doorknob so it is easy to deposit the soiled garment into, then tie the handles together to seal and reduce odor.

Tricks to make you more efficient:

• Double up on pull up briefs.  Put two pull up briefs together and put on at the same time.  When there is an accident, the one closest to the skin can be removed either with a pull way side, or by carefully cutting with scissors.  The remaining brief can be worn on its own.  This trick cuts the number of times that all lower body clothing needs to be completely changed in half.
• Have all of the supplies listed above in the bathroom to avoid running around looking for everything
• Keep a bag with all the supplies listed above in your car just in case

Maintaining dignity

• Don't make them feel bad:  Put yourself in the position of the person you care for - imagine how difficult it is to have someone help you with this intimate bodily function.  Remember that they are not choosing to be incontinent, it is a side-effect of some other issue.  Assure them that this happens to everyone and that you are happy you can be there to help.
• Do not use the word "diaper - Instead use words like padded underwear or special underwear.
• If you are frustrated with the care - take a moment to get calm before helping

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