With the holidays upon us and many of us packing for both short and long trips, we here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com thought this article, originally posted by LiveConfidently.com, may come in handy.
If you or someone you know experiences bladder leakage or other forms of incontinence, having an incontinence emergency kit is just as important as a first aid kit. We’re often prepared for an accident at home, but what about while you’re out and about or on vacation? Keeping an incontinence kit will not only ensure that you’re prepared for long vacations, but also for overnight stays, short trips to the grocery store, and any situation where an accident could occur. Having this backup plan will greatly improve your peace of mind and ensure that you’re always prepared for anything that comes your way. If you’d like to prepare an incontinence emergency kit of your own, read on!
Getting Started
Before you prepare your incontinence kit, ask yourself a few questions:
- Have you had any accidents in the past? If so, what supplies would have helped you in those moments?
- Which types of accidents are you concerned about (e.g., light bladder leakage, heavy leakage, nighttime incontinence, etc.)?
- Where might I need this incontinence emergency kit?
- What activities should I prepare for (e.g., swimming, overnight trips, long car rides, etc.)?
After you’ve answered these questions and determined the needs that your incontinence emergency kit should meet, start thinking about the type of bag or container you’d like to use. If you lead an active lifestyle and need your incontinence kit to travel with you, a rugged backpack or small rolling suitcase might be your best option. If your kit will primarily be stored at home or in your car, a plastic storage container with a snap-on lid may do the trick. Use your judgment to pick a form factor that preserves your dignity while providing protection for your unique concerns.
What to Pack
Your incontinence emergency kit should be tailored to suit your specific needs, but it never hurts to pack an assortment of incontinence supplies. You might want to consider including some of the following absorbent products:
- Pantiliners and bladder control pads, which provide protection for light to heavy needs and are worn inside undergarments
- Male guards, which are pads specifically designed for the male anatomy and worn inside undergarments
- Incontinence boxers for men, which feel and fit like regular boxers but have inner pads that provide protection for moderate to heavy leakage
- Incontinence panties for women, which are worn as undergarments and provide protection for moderate to heavy incontinence
- Protective underpads, which are disposable pads that are placed on surfaces to protect against leaks
Beyond incontinence products, your incontinence emergency kit should also include some or all of the following items to ensure your comfort and dignity:
- Clean underwear
- Change of clothes
- Flushable wipes or disposable cloths for cleanup
- Plastic bags for storing any soiled clothing
If you take any medications for incontinence, you may want to include a few extra pills in your incontinence emergency kit. This will ensure that you don’t miss any doses when traveling or on the go.
As a digital extension to your kit, those with smartphones or tablets may find it helpful to save a few websites or apps that provide locations of public restrooms. This way you can easily find a place to relieve yourself, no matter the location.
Storing Your Kit
Now that your kit is complete, you’ll want to make sure it’s stored in an easily accessible place. Where will you most likely need this kit: at home, at a loved one’s house, or in your car for on-the-go needs? When in doubt, the safest place is in your car so it will travel with you. We also suggest preparing incontinence kits for both your home and car to ensure your peace of mind at all times.
Have any incontinence emergency kit tips to add? Head over to our incontinence forum and chat with others just like you!