Eliminating the Silence

Article submitted by Jane Hankenhof Curry, BS, Gerontologist and Adam Greenberg, Owner-NorthShore Care Supply.

Eliminating the Silence...Older Adults are Encouraged to Talk About Incontinence

Incontinence is a topic not easily discussed. The stigma associated with incontinence has caused it to remain a "taboo" condition. Many individuals are so embarrassed by this condition they don't mention it to their physician. Incontinence is "not a normal part of aging" nor is it a disease. The loss of bladder control is a medical condition that affects an estimated one in three elderly persons, or 10 million seniors. If left untreated incontinence can lead to isolation, loss of freedom, and unnecessary frustration.

If you are concerned about bladder control, it is essential for you to communicate with a medical professional. Today's technological advancements offer a variety of successful treatments and, for some, even a cure. No longer does one have to worry about embarrassing odors or leakage and individuals can continue with active lifestyle. A myriad of solutions are available to enable independence, enhance confidence, and improve the quality of life. Diet modification, behavioral therapy, pelvic floor exercises, medications, supportive devices or surgery may be determined by your health care professional to best meet your individualized needs.

Disposable absorbent products are also an effective and convenient way to manage incontinence. Today's superabsorbent technology eliminates embarrassing odors, leakage, and skin breakdown. Absorbent products come in a variety of sizes, styles, and absorbency levels to meet each woman's individualized protection needs. Pads worn in underwear, pull-on style protective underwear, undergarments, and full briefs are all designed to address light, moderate or heavy levels of incontinence.

It is very important to note that not all disposable products are created equal. Low performance products comprised of cotton fluff or products manufactured for menstruation are not effective in the management of incontinence. Bladder control products comprised of superabsorbent polymers offer the highest level of performance and will quickly absorb and neutralize urine. High performance products retain large volumes of urine, prevent leakage, control bacterial growth, eliminate odor and improve the quality of life. In addition, they also offer a cost-saving advantage.

If you are interested in learning more about incontinence and its impact on older adults, the National Association for Continence (NAFC) is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence. They offer a resource guide filled with products and services for incontinence. NAFC can be found on the web at www.nafc.org or reached by phone at 1-800-252-3337.