Skin health and personal hygiene are critical when taking care of a loved one who is both incontinent and bedridden. Staying in bed for long hours, while wearing an adult diaper can cause painful pressure sores (bed sores) on the skin. If left untreated, pressure sores can be deadly. Below are five incontinence products that’ll help keep your bedridden loved one’s skin healthy:
- An extra absorbent brief. The briefs with the tape tabs, not the ones you pull up on, are best for bedridden patients for two reasons. First, they’re typically thicker and more absorbent than pull up underwear. Secondly, unlike pull ups, adult briefs are easier to put on and take off the user. Abena, Tena and Tranquility make some of the most absorbent adult diapers on the market.
Soothing diaper rash cream. Bedridden skin is fragile skin. It needs to be constantly cleaned, moisturized and protected. Incontinence creams containing zinc oxide, lanolin or petroleum work great for preventing pressure sores and diaper rashes. Aloe Vesta products, such as this protective ointment, are designed for skin integrity.- Hassle-free, no-rinse body wash. It can be difficult to transfer bedridden patients for daily bathing. That’s why no-rinse cleansers are a must for caregivers. They help clean and moisturize sensitive skin, leaving it feeling smooth and smelling fresh.
- Soft and waterproof bed pad. Available in disposable and washable styles, waterproof underpads help keep your loved one’s skin and bedding dry. Caregivers love the Chux pad because it’s highly absorbent and features impressive polymers that pull urine away from the skin and neutralize tell-tale odors.
- An easy-to-use urinal or bedside commode. If your loved one would rather not use incontinence briefs, a urinal or commode can help provide a sense of independence and control.
It is important to remember that it takes more than just bedding and skincare products to keep your bedridden loved one safe and healthy. Caregivers need to practice safe and effective caregiving techniques, such as repositioning the patient every few hours and thoroughly checking the skin for infections and rashes. Contact a wound care nurse if you see any redness or open wounds on your loved one’s skin.
