Tips from Parentgiving survey make coping with incontinence easier

For the first time in our five-year history, Parentiving conducted an opinion survey on incontinence, reaching out to nearly 5,000 customers who shop for incontinence products. The focus was to learn how people best cope with incontinence and if a greater awareness about it as a medical issue has erased its stigma and prompted more of you to talk to your doctors about treatment. Respondents were also asked to share both their frustrations and their strategies for maintaining quality of life.

From the 200 nearly responses we received, we put together the 50 best tips for better health and incontinence management. Here's what respondents told us:

1. Talk to your doctor about trying different medicines to control incontinence.
2. Try not to drink liquids after 8pm or before leaving the house.
3. Cut back on caffeinated beverages, which act like diuretics by increasing urination.
4. Try timed toileting: Go to the bathroom, whether or not you have the urge, every two or three hours, especially if you're still employed and want to avoid rushed trips to the toilet.
5. Increase the frequency with which you go to the restroom in general—"I try to use a toilet frequently so that my bladder does not get too full."
6. "A size-6 disposable toddler diaper makes an inexpensive but very effective insert pad."
7. "We use a plastic swim diaper over mom's regular diaper when we go out for an extended length of time."
8. Use incontinence protection products that are more absorbent than you think you will need.
9. "I use the overnight adult diapers for my Mom 24/7. It's expensive, but worth it."

To read all "50 Top Strategies for Managing Incontinence" click here.

All the results of the survey, "Incontinence Provokes Less Embarrassment But Many Needs Still Aren't Being Met" click here.