Although adult diapers have been around for decades now, there is still a lot of hesitation around them. People often feel offended, embarrassed or upset upon the suggestion of using adult pant-style diapers. Incontinence is a major issue that almost every adult experiences with age and diapers for seniors are extremely valuable in dealing with it. But somehow there is still a taboo around their usage. Why is it so and how to overcome it?
Adult Diapers for Men and Women
Diapers for grown people are underpants that are made with highly absorbent and soft material. They quickly absorb moisture, help to keep one dry and prevent any leakages.
Diapers for elderly women and men are meant to be used primarily for urinary incontinence. However, they are good for conditions such as bowel incontinence, nocturnal enuresis and limited mobility. If someone is suffering from bladder muscle weakness, or prostate cancer, is bedridden, recently underwent surgery, has a mental disorder like Parkinson’s or dementia etc, then diapers can be very beneficial.
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition where an individual suffers from involuntary loss of urine. While it generally happens with old age, it can still occur during pregnancy, with certain cancers like that of the prostate or bladder, surgery or with diseases like Parkinson’s or diabetes which can cause damage to the nerves controlling bladder contraction.
Need for Adult Diapers
Urinary incontinence is quite discomforting and can lead to embarrassing situations. It discourages one from attending social events, travelling and leading a normal independent life. Hence, diapers for adults can be very helpful. You can buy adult diapers of two kinds.
- Pant-style diapers- these are similar to underwear providing the same fit and comfort along with protection from leakage.
- Tape-style diapers- these diapers are designed to be used for debilitated patients and require the assistance of a caregiver to put on
Overcoming Taboo Around Using Adult Diapers
Diapers for senior citizens can significantly help people with incontinence to live a comfortable and stress-free life. Hence, it is important to normalize the use of adult diapers. Here are some ways to reduce the hesitation and anxiety around them and make them more acceptable.
Maintain their Dignity
The foremost thing you can do to convince an elderly person to use a diaper is to stop referring to it as a ‘diaper’. This term is most commonly associated with babies who are yet to be potty trained. This unsurprisingly makes the elderly assume that you are treating them as a child. Instead, refer to adult diapers for men in an age-appropriate way, such as incontinence briefs, pads or the brand name itself.
Deal with their Denial
If the concerned older person is aware of their condition but is in denial of their age-related changes, then address this directly. Let them understand that it is more embarrassing to smell of urine than to use diapers for elderly women or men for protection. Promise them that it would not hurt their pride, comfort or dignity.
Take Help from an Outsider
Elderly people often do not listen to their grown children because they have taken care of them when they were little. So, you must ask for help from a trusted friend or a doctor that the senior person respects.
Make them Aware
As one age, their senses tend to become weak so an elderly person may not know if their clothes are soiled, or downplay their condition. In this case, politely make them aware of the odour and advise them to use a diaper for protection.
Treat Depression
If a person is in a depressive state, they may not want to take care of themselves. Treat their depression as soon as possible and try to engage them in enjoyable activities and personal care.
Cognitive Impairment
If depression or oblivion is not the reason, then cognitive decline like that with dementia can be the culprit that needs to be checked. In such a state the concerned person becomes unable to take any important decisions including that personal hygiene. Hence, it becomes your responsibility to buy adult diapers or other incontinence products for them.
Advertising More
Even though people know about the existence of products like adult pant-style diapers, there is still a lack of awareness about their use, significance and benefits. Hence, manufacturers need to advertise their products more to normalize their usage.