Incontinence, whether urinary or bowel, is a tremendously common and equally notorious health problem mostly affecting our senior citizens. But with the markets filled with so many types and brands of adult diapers, India has finally picked up after the West in managing this condition with ease and efficiency. Adult diapers do not just prevent leakage of urine but also help you stay stress-free and lead a normal and free lifestyle. There are numerous benefits of using diapers for elders which make them truly valuable for those suffering from incontinence. So, today let’s learn more about these amazing tools; what they are, how they are used, their types, benefits etc. And equip ourselves to trust and utilise them for a more independent and dignified lifestyle ahead.
What are Diapers for Old Age
Adult diapers are special briefs which are designed to absorb and control the leakage of involuntarily released urine. They can also provide protection in case of bowel incontinence by holding the stool inside and not letting it escape. These diapers are extremely soft, comfortable and gentle on the skin and work wonderfully to keep you dry and at ease all day long.
Most modern-day adult diapers India offers today are fabricated using very absorbent fabric that is layered with a potent chemical powder known as sodium polyacrylate. Its molecules can swell up enormously when they come in contagion water and convert it readily into gel thus preventing its leakage. In addition to this, adult diapers also have waist and leg holes with elastic embedded in them which gives way to firm yet gentle contouring. This further contributes to preventing leaks which can occur along the back or through the sides of the legs.
Types of Adult Diapers
There are many different types of diapers for elders available in the market to suit different needs. The first differentiation is based on the usability of the diapers. They can either be reusable or disposable. The reusable diapers are made with cloth and thus can be washed, dried and then used again several times. These are eco-friendly, cheap and very skin friendly. However, they are also quite messy for obvious reasons and unhygienic too as bacteria can harbour in their layers despite washing. On the other hand, disposable diapers are very hygienic, mess-free and convenient to use. They are also much more efficient and provide protection for a longer duration.
Another differentiation is based on their design. You can find pull-up or pant-style and tape-style adult diapers India in the market. While pant-style diapers can be used just like regular briefs, tape-style diapers need to be fastened and require assistance from a caregiver. Hence the latter is usually used for bedridden patients or those with any physical limitations.
Overnight diapers are yet another type of diaper. These are designed for use at night when you require sound sleep and do not want to get up again and again for changes. Hence, they are extra absorbent and have a distinct design to prevent leaks even when you are laying down in the bed.
Who Can Use Adult Diapers
Anybody who suffers from uncontrolled release of urine or faecal matter can make use of diapers for old age to manage their condition. Incontinence and happen to anyone after they reach a certain age, but can also happen to younger people due to an underlying ailment or issue. So, the following are those individuals who can experience incontinence of different kinds and who can thus use adult diapers:
Older citizens who may have weakened musculature or weak bladder
People with weak pelvic floor muscles
Pregnant women
Women who may have delivered a baby through vaginal birth
Menopausal women
Individuals with enlarged prostate
People suffering from neurogenic bladder, for example in case of diabetes
Obese people
Individuals suffering from a mental disorder such as dementia etc.
People with Parkinson’s disease
Those who may have suffered a spinal cord injury
People who may have had a stroke
Those who may have undergone a surgical procedure
How to Use Diapers for Elderly
Adult diapers are designed for convenience and to provide ultimate comfort to the wearer. Hence they can be used very easily. If you are using a pant-style adult diaper, follow the below-given steps:
First of all, pull down the soiled diaper slowly just as you would a regular underwear and throw it away in a dustbin.
Now clean yourself thoroughly using soap and water to remove all traces of urine or dried faeces if any going from the front towards the back. Make sure not to use soap in the vaginal area as it can irritate the tissues.
Now dry yourself up and apply a thin layer of rash cream if needed or barrier cream to prevent rashes and irritation from long-term exposure to wetness.
Wash your hands with soap and water and then take out a fresh pant-style diaper for elders.
Now sit down on a chair or over the toilet seat and needle your legs into the diaper’s leg holes.
Stand up and pull up the diaper.
Adjust the diaper for comfort.
Now wear your usual clothes over it and you are good to go.
If you are a caregiver to an individual with physical limitations who requires assistance in dressing up, you must use a tape-style diaper. Follow these steps to put it on them:
First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Wear rubber gloves and a mask, and get everything that you may need for the change like sanitiser, wet tissues, barrier cream or lotion, fresh diapers and a dustbin nearby.
Now lay a rubber changing sheet underneath the patient by pulling them to one side and then to the other.
Open the tabs of the soiled diaper which are present at the front of the diaper.
Gently pull down the front panel and slide the back panel out by pulling them on their side. Roll this diaper and throw it away in the dustbin.
Clean them well using wet wipes or antibacterial solution and cotton and throw them in the dustbin as well.
Clean your gloves and hands using a sanitiser.
Now with them still on their side, lay out an open diaper at their back with its back panel towards the buttocks and the front panel outward so that it can be put on in the front.
Now roll them onto their back and pull up the front panel of the fresh diaper over their vaginal or penile area.
Bring the tabs for the back panel to the front and fix them up.
Now throw away your gloves and wash your hands with soap and water again.
Finally, help them wear their clothes over the diaper and finish up.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one in your family is suffering from incontinence due to any reason, diapers can provide a great solution for their plight. Now that you also know the different types of adult diapers India supplies you, and the right way to use them too, you can go ahead and get the one that fits your needs best.
