Will I develop incontinence due to Parkinson's disease?

Almost everyone's biggest fear is incontinence. Here are some helpful tips and information, if and when incontinence may occur. Some people are impacted by incontinence due to not being able to control bladder release. Most incontinence occurs in people with Parkinson's due to mobility challenges that prevent the ability to quickly get to the bathroom as needed.

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At first, the over-the counter pull up type incontinence underwear may be fine for a while. When these products stop doing the job, it's time to move on to the medical supply products that can be purchased online. Two companies that help with this are Healthykin and Parent Giving. These incontinence products have varying capacity levels. There are nighttime versions that will have higher capacities than daytime underwear. You will need both daytime and nighttime products in the more advanced stages of Parkinson's because quickly getting to the bathroom can be a challenge. If at some point the nighttime underwear needs more absorbency, there are booster liners that fit into them.

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If you're having bowel incontinence, it becomes easier to use the tab type underwear so that you're not pulling them down and having to step out of them. This is especially true when wearing pants and shoes, or out in public. Anyone assisting with changing should always use disposable gloves when changing underwear. With bowel incontinence, wearing two gloves on each hand is helpful so that you can peel one off and still have gloves on when they get soiled. The largest disposable washcloths are best for washing oneself or another and they are also available through these companies.

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Protecting the bed and mattress is also important and can save you lots of work. First, purchase four of the largest waterproof reusable bed pads you can find. Place one pad between the mattress and the sheet and one on top of the sheet. You will also need the largest disposable bed pads sometimes referred to as chux. The disposable bed pad will be placed on top of the reusable bed pad so it can just be thrown out. This will save you lots of additional laundry which we know you don't need.

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When going out for several hours, always bring an emergency bag including gloves, wipes, and extra underwear. Always refer to these products as underwear rather than diapers to preserve dignity.

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Free and Low Disposable Adult Diapers

The task of choosing the correct bladder control products can be a rather confusing task. Between all the different types of products, sizes, absorbency levels and brands, it is understandable that this mission can easily become overwhelming. Not to mention the costs. The price of diapers, odor eliminators and sanitary wipes can add up at the end of each month - much more than infant diapers. Learn how you can get the best and most affordable selection of adult diapers for improved tranquility and comfort.

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How to get Free or Low-Cost Disposable - and Comfortable - Adult Diapers

At least 45% of us will experience incontinence at an older age - this can be either involuntary urine or fecal incontinence. Studies show this is most common in aging women, given that life has gifted them with pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. One of the best ways to safely deal with this is to choose the correct premium adult diapers. However, the leak and odor control are top concerns while managing urinary and bowel incontinence. When researching adult diapers, maximum absorbency is a must.

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If you are an adult dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence, you may already know the cost of daily adult diapers, but did you ever think about absorbency pads, pull-up underwear, absorbent creams, and napkins?

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Since the human body was not made to be wet most of the time, comfortable absorbency pads, pull-up panties or briefs, sanitary napkins, bladder control pads and absorbent creams to avoid rashes are a few extra supplies needed. And all of these essentials can add up to a significant amount at the end of each month. Experts estimated that the average cost of these essentials can add up to as much as $4,000 per year. That is an extra $40/month that could need to be added to your monthly budget for absorbent and skincare products. That is a big addition to daily living expenses.

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Where to get help in paying for incontinence supplies

Many seniors in need of supplies worry about extra expenses, but there is good news. Many resources are available to assist in managing the cost of these essentials. Alabama Area Agencies for Aging can provide a wealth of services funded by the Older Americans Act that includes a selection of problem-solving services, including incontinence supplies. By accessing a care manager, you can understand the various programs available for assistance.

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Medicaid may also help community-based services provide help to people who might otherwise be in a long-term care facility with supplies. You can also check diaper banks that provide diapers and other supplies to people with limited incomes. In many cases, adult diapers are free or at a very low cost. Incontinence, pull-on panties, tape-on briefs, sanitary boosters, and bladder control pads are a few of these safety items that may be reimbursable or provided directly as a caregiver service.

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Users that have disabilities may also find help through their local Department of Disabilities that have access to other streams of help, such as non-profit organizations and businesses. People suffering from chronic illness and cognitive diseases can also receive help and guidance by contacting local organizations dedicated to their condition.

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Geriatric users living in communities also have realized the value of purchasing online products in bulk as a group, rather than individually. A lower-cost option would be to get together with other residents to determine which offered products can be purchased in larger quantities for further discounts, saving almost 80% compared with local pharmacies or grocery stores. The key to receiving support in the selection and purchase of effective incontinence supplies is to reach out to as many resources and online sites and be persistent in requesting the necessary help.

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Remember, if you enter hospice, all these supplies then become covered under insurance.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in these Frequently Asked Questions have been sourced by reliable, research-based publications. It is to your discretion whether or not to incorporate the education and awareness as guidance into your wellness journey with Parkinson's. The Parkinson Association of Alabama cannot be held liable for the solutions you try, and you should always consult with medical experts before trying anything new or incorporating new matters into your overall wellness plan.

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Source:

Stevenson, Marilyn. Incontinence with Dignity. September 6, 2022. Lewy Body Resource Center. https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org/incontinence-with-dignity/ 

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