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Elderly parents
Original poster

Washable adult diapers

36 replies

Handyweatherstation · 05/10/2023 17:55

We need some for my dad, but I've never looked into this before. Are there any particular good or bad ones, please?

OP posts:
Original poster
Handyweatherstation · 06/10/2023 08:14

To be honest I've no idea how much urine he produces. He can no longer use his legs so getting him to the loo is difficult and he uses a pee bottle most of the time, but sometimes there are accidents. My mum said she paid something like £60 for a big pack of incontinence pads the other day, so we're just looking for a solution that won't be too expensive.

OP posts:
WhoWants2Know · 06/10/2023 08:13

You can get washable incontinence pants, which are mainly suitable if the person has a "dribble" when they can't quite make it to the loo, or the bladder doesn't empty fully when using the toilet.

But for someone who needs more absorbency, they probably wouldn't be enough on their own.

EmotionalBlackmail · 06/10/2023 08:04

I think the problem with washable incontinence products could be the volume of urine an adult produces - toddler washable nappies are rather bulky and that's for much smaller quantities of liquid.

I have seen advertised washable ones that are designed more for a leak rather than to catch everything, as it were. They're marketed by the companies that also sell period pants,
but probably there are male versions too.

Original poster
Handyweatherstation · 06/10/2023 07:45

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 06/10/2023 00:39

We call them incontinence pads x

Thanks, I didn't realise what they were called. Apologies if I've offended anyone.

The issue is that my dad needs incontinence pants/pads of some sort and I thought you could get washable ones because I've seen them advertised. I don't live near my dad so have not spoken to his GP or any of the nurses. My mother tells me that she's finding the disposable ones expensive, so I'm trying to find out something that might help with the costs of the care my dad needs. Whilst his condition has been difficult for some time now, things have escalated recently and the family is struggling to figure things out.

OP posts:
IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 06/10/2023 00:39

We call them incontinence pads x

SkaneTos · 05/10/2023 23:28

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 05/10/2023 23:18

Please 🙏 as a nurse do not call them diapers.

It is really undignified .

I should mention, I do not work in an English-speaking country.
Some of the persons I care for call them our equivalent word for diapers themselves. Some of the persons I care for call them "underwear protection" (equivalent word).
I always follow their lead, use the same word as they do, and I am very respectful. I do my best.

I am genuinley interested to hear what word a UK nurse would use!
Sorry to derail the thread!

SkaneTos · 05/10/2023 23:20

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 05/10/2023 23:18

Please 🙏 as a nurse do not call them diapers.

It is really undignified .

I apologize.
English is not my first language.
What should I call them?

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 05/10/2023 23:18

Please 🙏 as a nurse do not call them diapers.

It is really undignified .

SkaneTos · 05/10/2023 23:05

I work in the elderly care, and I have never heard about washable diapers for adults.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. But I have never seen it.

Like a previous poster mentioned, some people don't need a whole diaper, just a large pad to put in the underwear. But that is still a disposable pad to change and throw away. I have never heard about one that you wash and use again.

Mumof1andacat · 05/10/2023 22:57

I would say disposable ones. I work in hospitals and I have never known of washable ones. I agree, a continence assessment with the gp or nurse would be a good idea. They follow a check list which narrows down the options for you. Not all patients need complete disposable underwear as some pads will do the job.

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 05/10/2023 22:31

Have you spoken to the Continence Nurse from your GP surgery?

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