Aging population is a well-known fact in Hong Kong, and the products that can aid the elderly have become much more common. In fact, one can find different kinds of adult diaper in the market. However, there are a number of important factors that we need to pay special attention when we choose them.
One needs to consider the following points when choosing diaper:
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Moisture-absorbing power: the urine volume of adults is usually higher than that of babies. Therefore, the moisture-absorbing power of the diaper or incontinence pants should be large enough. Otherwise, they cannot prevent leakage.
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Different needs for daytime and night time: generally speaking, the caretaker has to replace diapers three to four times for the elderly. Hence, during daytime, the elderly can wear diapers which are thinner in shape. But before the elderly go to sleep, they should wear diapers or incontinence pants that have higher moisture-absorbing power, because they would not replace the diapers or pants during night time. Yet, the diapers for night time are thicker and less breathable. Moreover, they would become quite heavy after they become wet.
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Permeability: the elderly and caretakers must keep an eye on whether the urine has infiltrated back to the bottom layer of the diapers or incontinence pants. Since the skin of the elderly is tenderer, it would be easily harmed if the urine infiltrates back. As a result, the probability for getting diaper rash would largely increase. In addition, if the diapers or incontinence pants are stained with excrements, some bacteria may enter urinary tract. In that case, it would lead to inflammation.
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Material: some diapers or incontinence pants would show whether they are completely wet or not (for example via changing color). Therefore, the users should be careful about whether they are composed of formaldehyde or other sensitizing material.
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Design: most diapers have stickers to prevent getting loose. Nevertheless, the users or caretakers should keep watch for their tightness. If they are too loose or too tight, it would result in leakage or uncomfortableness for the elderly. Besides, some adult diapers would have folding edges and users have to erect them in order to increase the leakproof capacity.
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The difference between diapers and incontinence pants: incontinence pants are lighter and more close-fitting than diapers. So, the elderly would wear them more comfortably. However, the moisture-absorbing power of incontinence pants is weaker than that of diapers. Furthermore, wearing incontinence pants requires quite a lot of limb movement. Therefore, they are more suitable for those who have higher self-care ability. Whereas for those elderly whose self-care ability is low or who are disabled, it is suggested that they should wear diapers, since this would reduce the caretakers’ effort during replacements.
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Size: There are different sizes of diapers or incontinence pants. Yet, their sizes shown on the packing may vary a lot. For example, the waistline of the largest diaper may be double of that of the smallest one. Another point to note is that, even though different brands use the same method for showing the sizes (like S/M/L/XL), the actual sizes of the diapers may be very different. Hence, the users or the caretakers ought to choose the diapers in accordance with the waistline, hip circumference and the body shape of the elderly.
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In general, elderly may feel embarrassed when buying adult diapers or incontinence pants. So, they would avoid inquiring the continence products or telling their uncomfortableness. As their sons and daughters or caretakers, we should be more thoughtful for them. We may even help them buying those products, preferably from those suppliers who have quality assurance. Some of the suppliers have already offered online order service, and they would send the products to customers’ home through express mail.
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