If your elderly loved one has a problem with incontinence and refuses to consider diapers, you may be wondering how you can encourage them to do so. Older adults can feel trapped when their incontinence affects their ability to get out and about; however, they may feel that using adult diapers is a source of embarrassment. To this end, you may wish to try the following techniques in getting your loved one to wear diapers.
Choose the Right Terminology
Some older adults do not like to use the word “diapers” as they can feel humiliated or as if they are being treated like a child. There are many other words and phrases you can use to refer to adult diapers, such as pads, briefs, pull-ups, disposable underwear, or even the name of a well-known brand. Essentially, that’s what they are – many brands of adult diapers today are pull-up briefs that are incredibly convenient to wear and can be disposed of after one use!
Assure Them of the Benefits
How is incontinence affecting your elderly loved one’s life? Maybe they have stopped taking part in the activities they used to enjoy as they feel embarrassed that an accident could happen at any time. Or perhaps they are getting up several times in the night to visit the bathroom, disrupting their sleep cycle. To this end, you can try to assure your loved one of the many benefits that wearing diapers can bring.
For instance, if your loved one is concerned about diapers showing underneath their clothing, assure them that they are very discreet and nobody will be able to tell they are on. In addition, adult diapers are designed to wick odors and as such, they won’t find themselves in an embarrassing situation.
Get Them the Help They Need
Can your elderly loved ones put on and take off adult diapers by themselves, or will they require some assistance to do so? If they need help with personal care and you aren’t available throughout the day to assist them, you may wish to consider getting your loved one some help. Whether that’s engaging a caregiver to visit the home or making the move to a retirement community, getting the help they need can greatly improve your loved one’s sense of confidence and independence.
Make the Move to Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg
Do you have an elderly loved one who struggles to complete activities of daily living, including personal care and incontinence management? If so, they will benefit from making the move to a senior living community like Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg. Not only will they be able to receive the assistance they need, but residents can also enjoy a wide range of socialization opportunities right at their doorsteps. With their needs taken care of and their confidence at new levels, your elderly loved one will be well-positioned to take advantage of all the amenities our community has to offer!
