If you are caring for an adult who has issues with urinary incontinence, then you will be pleased to learn there are many products and simple strategies that can make your job a lot easier. Regardless of the root cause of the incontinence, the following tips will help both the patient and caregiver deal with it in an effective manner:

Tip: Try a Variety of Incontinence Aids to Find What Works Best 

Since adult urinary incontinence is a common problem for people who are ill or of an advanced age, there are many different products available to help keep incontinent people dry and comfortable.

Some of the best incontinence products on the market today include:

• disposable underwear pads
• disposable underwear
• adult diapers
• cotton bed pads
• catheters

For people who simply have issues with periodic urine leakage, disposable underwear pads work very well. These pads are similar in look to women's period pads but are designed to absorb more liquid.

For people who leak more urine, disposable underwear is more appropriate. Disposable underwear is very absorbent yet made to be thin enough to hide the fact that it is being worn.

For people who are bed-ridden, adult diapers or a catheter are the most logical choices. Adult diapers are easier for caregivers to put on than underwear because they have side closures. A catheter eliminates the need for diapers for those who are unable to urinate into a bedpan or urinal due to an extreme illness or lack of mobility.

Tip: Plan for Accidents with Plenty of Extra Bedding and Clothing

Since accidents are bound to happen with people who live with urinary incontinence, it is important that you plan ahead by having plenty of extra clothing and bedding on hand. This allows you the ability to quickly change the person you are caring for, or to change their bedding, without having to immediately wash a load of clothes. This will make your life a lot easier when it is a busy time or even in the middle of the night.

Tip: Enlist the Help of the Patient's Doctor

Finally, since urinary incontinence always has an underlying medical cause, you should mention the issue to the patient's doctor. The doctor will make personalized suggestions based on the severity of the issue and may even be able to do something to treat the underlying condition and eliminate the urinary incontinence problem altogether.  

Home health care companies, such as Lincoln Mobility, are also available to assist in caring for those with needs such as these.