Essential Aids for the Elderly - Incontinence Care at Home

Sally Madeley-Carr, OT
07 May 2020

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Essential Aids has a fantastic range of incontinence care products, packed with items to provide the user with confidence, dignity and hygiene. Our wide selection of incontinence pads, pants, mattress covers and cushions are carefully and thoughtfully chosen.

These products are designed to give a sense of security and dignity to anyone with bladder control issues, whether these are mild, moderate or more substantial.

Incontinence care products enhance the user’s quality of life by increasing independence both indoors and away from home.

Mattress protector

The Essential Aids mattress protector is a reusable cover that sits under the bed sheet and provides peace of mind in case of leaks. It comes in five different sizes and is fitted, meaning the elasticated corners are easy to put on and take off, even for those with limited dexterity.

The protector is made from breathable polyester, ensuring the bed remains at a comfortable temperature all night. This product is also perfect for washing and drying regularly if need be.

Made from Fibrefresh fabric, it has numerous advantages such as being anti-fungal, anti-microbial, fire retardant and hypoallergenic. This is a key item for minimising worry and aiding a relaxing and restful night’s sleep.

Washable bed pads

To be used with, or as an alternative to a mattress protector, is a reusable, washable bed pad which sits on top of the bedsheet. These may be tucked securely into place under the mattress. The bed pad is ideal for those with lighter leaks and is made of highly absorbent fibre layers which are designed to lock in dampness, keeping the user as dry as possible.

Washable bed pads minimise the need for multiple bedding changes. The pad itself can go straight in the washing machine. This makes it an eco friendly, low cost option.

Disposable bed and furniture protector pads

For ease and convenience, disposable bed pads are a great option and have become the most popular choice. Easy to place under the user whether on a bed, armchair or wheelchair, the backing is waterproof ensuring the seat won’t become damp.

The upper layer is quilted with material that locks in moisture, ensuring that the user remains dry and comfortable. When no longer needed, they can simply be folded up and disposed of with regular refuse.

Incontinence chair pads

Highly versatile for use while travelling, visiting friends, enjoying days out or simply staying at home, the wide range of chair pads from Essential Aids are available in a variety of colours and patterns. Some have quilting for extra padding and absorbtion and all have a waterproof backing, so that the user can sit with confidence and comfort.

These chair pads are very discreet, because the pattern and colours suggest that they’re there to add pressure relief, rather than incontinence assistance. All of these are light and washable and will easily fit in a washing machine. They tolerate washes up to 95 degrees and all can be tumble dried.

Incontinence briefs

These cleverly designed, disposable briefs are unisex and highly absorbant for even those with severe incontinence. They’re available in four sizes and have resealable tapes which make the briefs incredibly easy to put on or take off.

The anti-leak layers, absorbency and stay-dry barrier means that the user will have complete confidence that they will remain dry and comfortable whilst wearing these hypo-allergenic briefs.

Additionally, there is reassurance that the briefs will provide odour control, which is an all-important issue for anyone experiencing incontinence. Furniture and clothing will also remain dry, with the briefs providing a high-level of incontinence support, whilst simultaneously achieving a discreet low-profile under clothing.

Incontinence pads

These convenient, disposable, unisex pads are securely affixed inside the user's usual underwear with a self-adhesive strip. They’re specifically designed for those who experience moderate to heavy incontinence and are contoured to fit neatly against the body for ultimate comfort and discretion.

The stay-dry top layer ensures that the user will feel comfortable between pad changes.

Pouch pants

These fantastic, reusable, washable, cotton ‘Pouch Pants’ have an inbuilt pocket so that the user can insert a disposable, absorbent pad. These incontinence pants come in a range of designs and six sizes, which means there’s something to suit everyone.

The pouch pants give extra security so that when the absorbent pad is inserted in the pouch, it cannot slip out of place. Mens pouch pants are available in Y Fronts, Boxers or plain.

The ladies pouch pants have a flattering shape with a high rise to the waist. There are also unisex pants. All are discreet, breathable and comfortable to wear.

Absorbent underwear/washable pants

These are ideal for lighter bladder incontinence and are similar in look and feel to conventional underwear. The only difference is these have the added security of sewn-in padding positioned in areas that need extra protection.

They’re available in men’s women’s and unisex, with a wide range of sizes, including a children’s version. Absorbent underwear is an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable pads and briefs and all are durable with a soft, stay-dry lining.

Waterproof pants

Waterproof incontinence pants are made from soft, breathable PVC and have elasticated legs and waist. They’re often used for maximum security and can be put on over the top of absorbent underwear, pouch pants or incontinence briefs. They’re easy to rinse clean and perfect for reusing.

Waterproof duvet or blanket covers and pillows

The waterproof covers and duvets are made from a brilliant ‘FibreFresh’ Polyester material which has numerous properties such as: hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and flame retardant. This clever material also prevents overheating and irritation - all this while keeping the user comfortable and dry!

These waterproof covers are very easy to wipe down which saves on the cost of washing and is eco-friendly. If these covers do need washing, they’re easy to pop into the machine. The waterproof fabric is not noisy, in fact, previous customers tell us they don’t rustle - which aids a restful and relaxing night’s sleep.

Urinals

Essential Aids has a great range of sex specific and unisex portable urinals that are perfect for use in the comfort of your own home, or when out and about. Some of the unisex models have a female adaptor that is easy to fit, while the secure, airtight lid will prevent any leaks.

The unisex urinals are expertly designed so that they can be used whether the user is in a sitting, standing or lying down position. These items usually have a capacity of one litre and are made of lightweight, durable moulded plastic.

A portable urinal carry bag is also available to purchase separately, as is a urinal holder, which can hook over most doors, baths or rails.

If the user is confined to bed, then Essential Aids has a fantastic selection of the more traditional ‘slipper’ urinals that are shaped and contoured to the body for ease of use and maximum comfort.

Wash cream

Our moisturising wash cream is a great alternative to soap and is free from alcohol, so is kind to skin.

Incontinence wipes

Essential Aids has a range of incontinence wipes which are specifically for intimate use. These gently and hygienically clean intimate areas, leaving the user feeling refreshed and odour-free.

Incontinence wipes are available perfumed or non perfumed and all have moisturising as well as cleansing properties that are kind to skin. The user can be confident that even with repeated use, their skin will remain healthy and fresh.

General information on incontinence

Incontinence is a loss of control of your bowel or bladder functions which may allow the escape of urine or faeces.

While many people have only the occasional leak, others suffer significant losses of their bowels or bladder control.

While some might consider incontinence care aids for the elderly, the reality is that people from across the age spectrum may encounter it.

It may lead to practical problems which prevent people going out and socialising, or the need to plan activities around maintaining access to a toilet.

It’s important to know the types of products available and how they may help. Awareness is the first step towards using the products you need effectively.

With people in the UK living longer than ever, it’s important to consider which incontinence items might be applicable and consider the best way of sourcing them.

There remains a resistance to talking about bowel or bladder problems, but in the majority of cases, issues can be managed or even cured before impacting on your lifestyle.

Common causes of urinary incontinence

• Malfunctioning of nerves in the pelvic floor or bladder.
• Weakening of muscles in the pelvic floor.
• Prostate enlargement (only in males).
• Overactive bladder function.

Common causes of bowel incontinence

• Malfunctioning of nerves which control the bowel.
• Diarrhoea.
• Weakened or injured muscles in the bowel.

Commons symptoms of urinary incontinence

• Urinary leakage when exercising, laughing, coughing or sneezing.
• Passing urine more frequently than normal.
• Bed wetting.
• Leaking before reaching the toilet.
• Regularly feeling an urgent need to urinate.
• Feeling one’s bladder doesn’t fully empty.
• Find it difficult to start to pass urine.

Common symptoms of bowel incontinence

• Bowel leakage.
• Losing control of wind.
• Difficulty emptying the bowels.
• Needing to open the bowels urgently.
• Difficulty or strain when emptying the bowel.

Essential Aids supplies a wide range of incontinence products, plus an ever expanding high quality array of innovative aids for the elderly or disabled.