Incontinence Care

Managing Incontinence with Adult Diapers and Pads

Adult diapers and pads are incontinence care products that you can use to manage incontinence.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers can be used when urinary incontinence is accompanied by bowel incontinence.

Selection Criteria

• Size
• Leak-proof protection
  
• Liquid absorption and retention capacity

Incontinence Pads

Some women over 40 years old may experience urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, running or exercising. Pelvic floor exercises can help to improve this condition, and different pad designs are tailored for different urine leakage levels.

Pads can also be used for men who suffer light to moderate incontinence.

Selection Criteria

• Size
• Thickness & absorption capacity 
  

Barrier Creams

Often, the area under or around the diaper may develop sores or rashes. This is known as diaper rash, caused by irritation of urine. Treatments to protect the skin include using barrier creams during a diaper change

Selection Criteria

• Feel – non-greasy
• Active ingredients – emollients or antiseptic present

Silic 15 and silicone cream contain dimethicone which helps to protect the skin from water, chemicals and other irritants and relieve symptoms of chafing and blistering. Some protective creams contain zinc oxide, a skin protectant and helps treat and prevent diaper rash. Antiseptic cream is used if the skin is broken to prevent secondary infection.

Directions: Change wet and soiled diapers often. Cleanse the affected area often and allow it to dry. Apply cream liberally as often as necessary with each diaper change.

Managing Incontinence with Catheters

A catheter is a fine hollow tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain the urine.

CAUTION: CATHETERS SHOULD BE USED ONLY ON MEDICAL ADVICE

Selection of urinary catheters for incontinence care requires the help of medical personnel. Choosing the right catheter is crucial to prevent associated risks, minimise complications and promote patient comfort and quality of life. Improper catheter care and usage may lead to serious infection.

When is a catheter needed?

• bladder problems, such as incontinence, urinary retention or bladder obstruction
• restricted mobility

Selection Criteria

• material – 100% silicone or siliconised latex (not suitable for people with latex allergy)
• single-use (disposable) or re-usable size

Types of catheters

Selecting Catheters

Catheter Length

1. Paediatric (30cm)
2. Female (23-26cm) – for female use only
3. Standard (40-44cm) – unisex

Charrière size (Ch)

This refers to the external diameter of the catheter. Other units of measurements are French gauge (Fg) or French (F).

Conversion is one Ch to 0.33mm. Therefore, a 12Ch catheter is 4mm.

The diameter size is important for patient comfort. A large Charrière size can cause urethral discomfort and trauma. In general, the smallest diameter catheter able to provide adequate urine drainage should be used.

Catheter material

Catheters can be made from plain latex, bonded latex, plastic, pure silicone or nylon reinforced materials.

Inform medical personnel if the user has a latex allergy.

Male Catheters

Penile Sheath / External catheter provided with a self-adhesive coated strip for proper fixing onto the penis. The proximal end is designed for easy connection to the urine bag/leg bag, making it simple to use.

Female Catheters

Depending on the type of incontinence, either intermittent or foley catheters are used. External types have not been determined safe and effective in females.

Other Incontinence Accessories for Incontinence Care

The gel below is for local anaesthesia and lubrication of the urethra prior to catheterisation. If skin irritation occurs, stop using immediately and seek medical advice.

Drai​nage Bags

Drainage bags are used with catheters or by men using sheaths.

Selection Criteria

• the capacity of the drainage bag
  • larger capacity for overnight drainage
  • smaller capacity for outdoor use enabling the bag to be hidden under clothing

Mattress Protectors

Fitted Drawsheets

These come in single and queen sizes and are fitted over the mattress to protect it from soiling.
(Pre-order is required)

Underpads

These are smaller and come in 2 sizes, placed under the patient’s backside on the bed to prevent soiling of bedsheets.

Sheaths

A sheath is a soft sleeve that fits over the penis to collect urine and is attached to a leg drainage bag. It may be used as an alternative to pads.

Selection Criteria

• latex or non-latex materials (latex is not suitable for people allergic to rubber)
• size

Connectors

This connects the catheter to any standard urine bag and provides maximum drainage. A leg strap can be used to hold the connector in place. Non-allergic adhesive tapes can be used as well as to hold catheters in place and prevent backflow.

Ur​inals

These unbreakable, portable and recyclable systems are suitable for individuals who suffer immobility inconveniences.

Bedpans

They are for ease of use under immobilized patients. The contour shape provides extra patient comfort, and the moulded polyethylene plastic offers lightweight and odour-resistance advantages.

Contoured bedpan - contoured for greater comfort and stability even on soft mattresses. Easy-grip handles on both sides and front.

Fracture bedpan - tapered ends are suited for post-surgical patients. Low wedge shape lets you move it in and out of position without moving the patient. Easy-grip handles on the back.

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