Caregiving by Family Members of Incontinent Adults in the US

More and more family members are becoming the primary caregiver of incontinent adults. Taking care of an incontinent adult can be difficult for both patient and caregiver. There are many product decisions, living environments, and paid levels of care available - but the ongoing question is where does one start if they are providing care to an adult that is dealing with some level of incontinence.

This is especially challenging in todays environment in the US in which more multigenerational families are living in the same household. In an article in “The Sensible Resurgence of the Multigenerational Home”* in Bloomberg Businessweek, a Pew Research report released in June 2014 shows a record 57 million Americans, or 18.1 percent of the population lived in a multigenerational households in 2012. Just to give you an idea, that is up from 28 million in 1980. Families may be living in the same home for many reasons - pooling finances, child care, and easy monitoring when aging parents turn frail. 

When considering this information it is also worthy to note that the CDC Vital and Health Statistics “Prevalence of Incontinence Among Older Americans”** report published in June 2014 shows that over 50% of non-institutionalized persons aged 65 and over reported a urinary leakage and /or accidental bowel leakage, 43.8% reported a urinary leakage and 17.3% reported an accidental bowel leakage. Additionally, more than one-held of noninstitutionalized women and more than one quarter of noninstitutioinalized men aged 65 and over reported a urinary leakage. 

The CDC report also showed that in older persons, incontinence is associated with multiple interacting factors, including chronic conditions such as diabetes and stroke, cognitive impairment, and mobility impairment. Bladder incontinence may be caused by conditions such as age-related changes in the lower urinary tract, urinary tract infection and conditions not directly related to genitourinary system, such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, cognitive impairment and mobility impairment. Risk factors for bowel incontinence include chronic diarrhea, inadequate fiber and water intake and chronic constipation, diabetes, stroke, neurological and psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairment and mobility impairment. Use of certain medications and polypharmacy are also associated with incontinence.  

Needs for caregiving continue to increase in the US with the population aging and more multigenerational living arrangements. For many the incontinent adult may be able to still take care of themselves and in others there may be one or more primary caregiver to make sure that the patient is cared for, comfortable, and healthy. 

These two reports should show that if you or someone you love is dealing with incontinence, you are not alone! Making good decisions and not allowing the situation to take over our life is the first step. If you are the caregiver, dealing with it in a matter-of-fact and direct manner showing no embarrassment yourself may help move the discussion along. Many times, a doctor may have already started this conversation and have been the first point of contact to initiate dialog and thus avoiding arguments or embarrassment. The goal of everyone involved should be comfort, discretion and honesty. This will help ensure that all the best decisions are being made and everyone stays comfortable.

If you are searching for information or details on what type of products are available and what is the best incontinence products for your situation here is a quick guide to walk you through the basics of the main incontinence products and how they might best suit your situation:

• Adult Briefs also known as Adult Diapers
• Folded piece of absorbency material that is placed between legs of wearer, drawn up and fastened at the waist.
• Works well for bedridden or individuals with limited mobility as they are easier to put on and take off
• Available in a wide range of waist sizes for adults from 20” to over 100” 
• Available in a wide range of absorbency from light to heavy/overnight 
• Protective Underwear
• Pull up style incontinence undergarment
• Pulls on and off like regular underwear
• Many have ‘“tear away” sides for easy and clean removal
• Perfect for people that have mobility and want to have a level of independence
• Available in a range of absorbencies and styles - with many looking just like regular underwear
• Available in a wide range of waist sizes from 17” to over 80”
• Bladder Control Pads and Underwear Liners also known as pads, shields and liners
• Available in a wide range of sizes, absorbencies and styles
• Available for light (drips and dribbles) to heavy /overnight levels of protection
• Can be worn in regular underwear or in special incontinence garments
• Many designed with adhesives to hold pad in place in underwear
• Available in products with moisture barriers and without depending on your needs
• Available in styles specifically for men or women and also some in unisex design
• Underpads and Bedpads
• Available in disposable or reusable/ washable versions
• Available in a wide ranges of sizes and absorbencies
• Available for use on seating or bed surfaces
• Often used in conjunction with other incontinence products to keep mattresses and linens dry

There are many incontinence products and supplies available for a wide range of incontinence situations to help you and your loved ones live a comfortable, happy and healthy life. The products available today will help people live normally and comfortable as the population ages, health issues emerge and living situations change. 

* Chris Ferrell. The Sensible Resurgence of the Multigenerational Home. Bloomberg Business Week. August 13, 2014

** Gloria Y Schappert S. Bercovitz A, et al. Prevalence of Incontinence Among Older Americans. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 3 (36) 2014