Adult diapers have gained a lot of attention for solving the problem of using washrooms frequently due to bladder control problem or incontinence. As people age, it is common to experience incontinence, which can be distressing and challenging. Incontinence can occur due to a variety of reasons such as weakened pelvic muscles, and cognitive decline including dementia. Despite the ample benefits provided by adult diapers, the elderly suffering from incontinence refuses to wear diapers as they feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

In this article, we will explore some tips on how to motivate older adults to wear diapers.

• Identify the cause of the incontinence: If you are caring for an elderly who has little or no control over their bladder or bowel movement, you need to first check for its underlying cause. Incontinence commonly occurs due to advancing age but there are some medical conditions that also lead to its occurrence. Conditions like urinary tract infection, stroke, diabetes, dementia, enlarged prostate etc. can also lead to incontinence. While this too can be managed using adult diapers, it is always important to also treat the cause behind the problem. 

• Highlight the benefits: Elderly usually deny wearing diapers and this could be due to the lack of acceptance, shame or embarrassment that they are not able to control bladder movement. Validate their feelings, and remind them that this happens to people of all ages. The elderly at home often argue that it does not happen often enough for them to need to wear a diaper, family members can gently highlight the positive aspect that even if it only occurs once in a few weeks or every few months, wearing a diaper will possibly prevent them from further embarrassment in public. Being a caregiver, you can also point out that the material has been made in a way that other people will not get to know about them wearing the diaper.

• Use positive language: While trying to convince an older adult to wear diapers, be mindful and choose the words carefully as you may end up hurting your loved one. It is highly recommended that instead of using the word “diaper” as we have grown up associating the word diapers with kids and it is hard to think or accept that we might need them later in life. Try using words like undergarment liner, and disposable briefs as the majority of the elderly do not even know that there are diapers specially designed for adults as well.

• Ask for professional help:As people age, they may become more set in their ways and may have a preference for certain things. It can sometimes be challenging to persuade them to try something new or different, particularly if they feel that they are being pressured by someone younger or a family member. So, in order to convince your loved one, you will need all the help that you can get. Seek the help of a common family friend or a specialist whom they can listen to. We have this tendency to listen and comply with an outsider even though the family members might be sharing the same thing.  

• Give some space: For today’s generation it may not seem like much to wear diapers but for the elderly wearing an adult diaper is a whole new way of living. Allow them some time to process this change. Try to avoid forcing adult diapers on them. Give them some space to adjust to the new lifestyle without any negative notions. They may get emotional, there might be some random outbursts to express their feeling. So, a gentle approach and patience could help them gain acceptance. Try to be calm as much as possible, and motivate them throughout this time.

By incorporating these steps while convincing your loved one to wear a diaper, you can help the  elderly at home stay protected from leakages without them feeling embarrassed about using diapers.