Top 5 Benefits Of Using Bed Pads For Elderly
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As people age, they become susceptible to aches, and their immune systems weaken. Many also suffer from urinary incontinence or bedwetting. This medical issue is more prevalent in adult women than in men.
Recent studies show that over 60% of aging women experience urinary incontinence. It can be challenging for them, especially when visiting or using public transport.
That said, you can solve these problems and more by getting bed pads. Check out these five benefits of using bed pads for the elderly.
1. Promote Hygiene
People with incontinence may struggle to maintain proper hygiene as heavy concentrations of urine and other bodily fluids contribute to a foul smell. There’s also a risk of bacterial spread and contamination.
Furthermore, cleaning up after a bedwetting occurrence may involve touching contaminated surfaces, which may lead to the spread of bacterial diseases.
Using disposable bed pads can help you avoid these health hazards.
Since bed pads turn absorbed liquid into gel, this process has two crucial health benefits. First, it reduces stench. Second, it prevents toxic fluids like urine from sticking to the skin.
Moreover, being disposable, you also drastically reduce the possibility of coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.
2. Easy Maintenance
Another benefit of using a bed pad is easy maintenance. Consider the stress of coping with incontinence before the advent of bed pads. You would go through a never-ending cycle of taking the bed outside to clean, dry, disinfect, and then reinstall.
Disposable bed pads offer a way out of this stress for carers and senior citizens.
Disposable pads are much easier to maintain. These bedding items are made for single use. After use, dispose of them. That way, you would avoid daily washing or cleaning and won’t have to dry them after use either.
Easy maintenance helps you save valuable time. It is especially advantageous in elderly homes where many individuals need immediate care. It is also easy to set up and replace. You only have to use one or two daily for mild incontinence.
3. Preserve The Mattress
The National Council on Aging recommends an innerspring mattress with a foam support rail for the elderly. These mattresses are not cheap; they cost thousands of dollars. That might be enough motivation to preserve the bed for as long as possible.
There is no better way to preserve a mattress than with a bed pad. Bed pads can prevent stains, especially urine stains, which can be hard to come off. The bed pad’s backing material is made of plastic. This prevents absorbed liquids from slipping out of the bed pad.
Besides urine, some old people experience hand tremors, which may cause them to spill drinks or other liquids. Using a bed pad can prevent this mishap from happening on the bed.
Besides stains, there’s also the issue of bad smell. Constant urination can cause a stench on the bed and the entire room. Not only can it cause air pollution, but it is also unlikely that all the smell will come off.
Washed or not, the smell would make anyone uncomfortable if the bed is not completely dry. It is advisable to use a bed pad to prevent this occurrence.
4. Prevent Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis
When caring for elderly people, physical health is one of the first things you consider. Nights can be uncomfortable for people with poor bladder control. They may suffer from incontinence-associated dermatitis when urine comes in contact with the skin for long periods.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis affects the skin around the hips, rectum, and genitals. It may result in rashes and itchiness, causing long spells of discomfort. In some cases, it can lead to other infections, such as peeling and yeast infections.
Fortunately, the technology behind the bed pads erases these issues. Bed pads consist of multiple layers of cushion. These layers absorb fluids and lock them into gel so the user stays dry through the night.
With a bed pad, your loved ones can wake up dry, healthy, and without a putrid smell. This change can significantly improve their mood and boost their confidence throughout the day.
5. Long-term Money Saver
When you buy bed pads, you lengthen the lifespan of the mattress. Considering the price of innerspring mattresses, the bed pad is a money-saver in adult healthcare.
Disposable bed pads are typically used once before disposal. You may only need to change them three times or less for mild to average incontinence.
Bed pads are also flexible. They are multipurpose bedding peripherals for various cushion types, shapes, and sizes. Besides mattresses, you can use them on car seats, furniture, or wheelchairs. While they are ideal for elderly care, they are also suitable for childcare.
It may not seem so initially, but you will soon realize that bed pads are long-term money savers.
Conclusion
Bed pads are essential for adult care. Whether at home, at the hospital, or traveling, these items are a must-have for the elderly. In addition to comfort, bed pads can also help improve their hygiene.
When looking up bed pads, consider the level of urinary incontinence you are dealing with to determine how many you need. Ensure you get enough and prepare them for use.
All in all, if you are responsible for caring for senior citizens at work or at home, get a bed pad today.
