Diapers For The Elderly

[superdiaperbaby]

So it is kind of weird hearing my mom say she had to start wearing diapers at her assisted living place. The interesting thing is she/me is responsible for getting them. Right now they are the usual depends overnight but I wonder if that is the best brand for her. I think her incontinence is mostly runny poop, like she has IBS or something. So something well padded in the back would probably be best. Then of course if she is going to be wearing them full time price would definitely be an issue. So I wonder if depends are the cheapest but most absorbent for its cheapness? Any opinions on a good diaper for the elderly?

SDB

[Codymoogle]

I wear Abenas for my incontinence (and lilness)...Although your mom might want more discreetness, I think those are a good bet. Having a moderately thicker diaper on is a LOT less noticeable than leaks - especially messy ones...But what is her price range? You didn't say.

~ moogle

[sarah_ab]

Have you spoken with your mother regarding her satisfaction with the current brand? Perhaps they are adequately meeting her needs. I would suggest discussing this with her before suggesting a change. Also check with her insurance to see if they will cover some of the cost. And, there are some medications that help with IBS related diarhea (or however u spell it), medications that are not like immodium.

Perhaps she should talk to a GI specialist about this. I know some people with that form of IBS (myself included) have found a complete reduction in symptoms by taking a sub therapeutic dosage of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). These are medications commonly prescribed at therapeutic levels to individuals with depression etc... however, i learned from my GI that something like 90 % of your seratonin receptors are found in the GI tract, not in the brain, and sometimes when these get out of balance it can cause that particular IBS symptom. Since being on this medication for 9 months, I am back to being completely regular and am able to eat regularly again and not have to run to the restroom every ten minutes or make a pit stop driving to work (when i only live five miles away).

Its worth looking into if she hasn't already.

[turtlepins]

Cost should not be an issue. Comfort and security should be the issues. I bought my mom's diapers during her last two years of her life (a medical company in New York made them exclusively and they were expensive). The company went out of business about six years ago. All the nurses thought they were by far the best diapers they'd ever used. They were disposable and designed for women. They had some for men too, but they were awful! Anyway, I think your idea of padding in the back is good. That's where it will be most needed. Good luck.

[WallaWalla]

If she's capable of addressing her own hygiene concerns and isn't reliant on a caregiver for help changing, briefs would best be avoided altogether.

In that case, try the abri-san special:

http://mts.goexposoftware.com/2009/FORMfields/uploads/brochure1url1233951332326552990.pdf

If she's not capable of cleaning herself, but still capable of communicating the need to be cleaned(which I am assuming is the case given that you had a conversation with her about it), get something like an abena plus/super or molicare classic plus:

http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-product.asp?product_id=1133

The molicare classics are actually quite cost effective, 60-70 dollars for a case of 120, they are a heckuva lot more secure than depends, quiet, and thin to boot.

Of course, as others have mentioned, make sure that the assisted living facility is ensuring that she gets proper care. If she hasn't been evaluated by a specialist for her continence concerns, make plans for it to happen as soon as possible! Diapers are a way of managing a problem, not a solution!

[willnotwill]

My MIL had alzheimers and I'd get her the Target Assurance brand pullup. Seemed to work OK.

The wierdest one is when we found she had attempted to "wash one".

[Bettypooh]

I agree with Sarah that you need to discuss it with her. As long as she's cognizant and capable of expressing her feelings on the matter she's the best one to decide which choice is right for her If she' not in a position to give you good feedback discuss it with her caretakers who can tell you if there's any issue with inadequacy.

While one would wish that cost weren't an issue, the facts of life sometimes dictates that it is There's never any point in wasting money to achieve the same results as what one gets from economy, though spending enough to do well has to happen even if you're as tight with a dollar as I am

If Depends aren't doing the job or aren't comfortable for her, do try something better. And kudos for caring enough to try to do what's best for her with her feelings in mind

Bettypooh