Continence management - Continence aids

This information is for carers of people with dementia. If the person with dementia has difficulties with continence there is a lot that can be done to help or even prevent the problem. 

If you require further information about continence or other issues regarding dementia call the freephone Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000. 

Continence aids

Contact your community nurse or continence advisor for help and advice if you find that managing the incontinence is not enough and the person needs other help. There are products which will protect clothes, bedding and chairs. Some may be available through the continence advisor or community nurse, and you can buy others from a chemist. 

Once you have the aids, pads and/or equipment, make sure they are suitable. The nurse will help you work out what suits the person best. If you are not happy with the products the person is using ask the nurse to come again and reassess the person to see what would be better. The nurse will also help you fit the pads properly, as incorrectly fitted pads are likely to leak.

Protecting furniture

You can protect the mattress with a waterproof cover, but make sure it does not come into contact with the person's skin, as it will cause soreness. You can also get special protective covers for duvets and pillows.

Absorbent, reusable undersheets for chairs and beds enable the person to sit or lie on a dry surface.

Pads and pants

Contact your community nurse or continence advisor for an assessment, as they will be able to advise on the pads and pants which will best suit the person with dementia. 

Special pads and pants can be worn, day and night or just during the night, which keep the area next to the person's skin dry. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some are disposable and are held in place by close-fitting pants. Others are reusable, and often come as part of a pair of pants. All-in-one pads, with plastic backing and adhesive patches to seal the sides, are suitable for heavy incontinence. 

These pads are usually provided free: ask your district/community nurse or continence advisor for information. It is important to make sure they are the right absorbency, that they do not chafe, and that they are changed as often as necessary.

Delivery service

Some areas have a delivery service which will bring the pads directly to your home. Ask your community nurse or continence advisor about this service. In other areas you may have to pick them up yourself. Carers have expressed concern over this, as the pads are heavy and bulky. Perhaps you could ask a friend to pick them up and bring them to your home for you.

Carer education and training courses

In some parts of the country, Alzheimer Scotland runs carer education courses which include specific sessions on how to deal with incontinence. This is a very difficult problem to deal with on your own, but with support, advice and information life can be made a lot easier for the person with dementia and for you, the carer. Contact the Dementia Helpline or your local Alzheimer Scotland service for information on these courses.  Your local Princess Royal Trust for Carers centre may also run a suitable course.  The Dementia Helpline can tell you where your nearest centre is.