It’s always better to prevent a problem than to treat one, which is especially true with skincare.
• The first step is choosing the right pads and absorbent underwear to quickly and thoroughly absorb moisture and keep it away from the skin, especially over night.
• Be sure pads or underwear fit properly. Too loose and liquid can leak out before it’s fully absorbed. Too snug, can cause irritation, creating an environment for infection.
• Avoid ordinary bar soaps and antibacterial soaps for cleansing skin in sensitive areas. These soaps can dry the skin and raise its pH, exacerbating an existing skin condition.
To help patients choose the right incontinence products, just have them call our Incontinence Counselors at: 1-800-2MY-HOME® (1-800-269-4663).
Visit our page with resources for Caregivers here or for more information for Medical Professionals, visit our page maintained just for you here.
Certainly there are products with maximum absorbency that can help with nighttime episodes. Yet it’s also possible a single product can work for both day and night – and be less troublesome for the patient than keeping multiple products on hand.
The key is finding a product that is absorbent for heavy nighttime leakage, yet comfortable and discreet when the individual is more active.
You can order the free samples online – or fax the enclosed, completed order form – or call one of our HDIS Customer Care Representatives at 1-800-2MY-HOME® (1-800-269-4663).
Here’s another tip:
Changing just before going to bed and upon waking helps assure ample protection is available. If more is needed during the night, one or two booster pads placed inside the protective underwear increase its total capacity and give your patients more protection where it’s needed.
- Give patients our Patient Referral Card. It allows patients to try a Variety Pack of either Pads or Underwear at absolutely zero cost – F-R-E-E! Free Order, Free Shipping – No Risk! Patients either mail the postage paid reply card or call HDIS directly.
- Get samples for your office in our Product Education Kit – the kit contains samples along with educational literature and posters for your waiting room or exam room.
To help patients choose the right incontinence products, just have them call our Incontinence Counselors at: 1-800-2MY-HOME (1-800-269-4663)
Patients with a prescription for a catheter should call 1-800-269-4663 to receive a personalized customer care. At HDIS, we handle all of the billing paperwork for Medicare, private insurance, and Medicaid (in many states). You can always refer your patients to www.HDIS.com for aids to daily living and incontinence supplies.
Since dry skin is prone to cracks, that bacteria can multiply, moisturizers play a vital role in preventing cracked skin. Moisturizers typically contain emollients designed to replace intercellular lipids and slow water loss from the skin. One of the best times for your patient to apply a moisturizer is just after a bath or cleansing of the perineal skin. Skin should be dried gently by patting, instead of rubbing or brisk toweling.
Skin protectants may also be called moisture barriers. They protect the skin from penetration by irritants and pathogens contained in stool and urine. Many products available today actually contain a combination of ingredients that clean, moisturize, and protect in one step. Your patients can get friendly advice on selecting the product that is right for their needs by calling HDIS at 1-800-2MY-HOME® (1-800-269-4663)
“ What are pelvic exercises? I’ve heard they might help with bladder leakage.” – L.C.,Taos, NM
Dear L.C.,
You’ve come to the right place with your question!
We encourage all women (and men!) to do Kegel Exercises (also known as Pelvic Muscle Exercises (PMEs)). Pelvic muscles control the flow of urine from the bladder. For women, pelvic muscles can be weakened during pregnancy or childbirth. For men, prostate surgery can weaken the same muscle group.
The good news is that PMEs are simple and easy!
First, locate the correct set of muscles by stopping the flow of urine the next time you go to the bathroom. You don’t want to perform the exercises then, but doing that will help you know and feel the correct muscles. The muscles attach to the front, back and sides of the pelvic bones.
PMEs can be done anytime, anywhere. Simply contract your pelvic muscles, hold for the count of ten, and release. Do this several times in a row, building up to a set of 10or 20 every day. Tightening these muscles before sneezing and lifting heavy objects will also build strength.
Another helpful exercise is to squeeze a small ball between your legs. That simple exercise will help to strengthen all the pelvic muscles.
Be patient! Just as it takes time to build arm and leg strength, it takes time to build pelvic muscles.
It can take several weeks to experience results of the muscle training.
We’ve created a brochure that provides more information and detailed instructions for PMEs. Call1-800-2MY-HOME®(1-800-269-4663) to request your copy of the HDIS PME brochure!
Sincerely,
Nurse Allison