Seniors and the Weather

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 31, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Extreme weather can be tougher on seniors than the rest of the population. When it’s dry, their skin becomes very dry. When it’s wet, driving in those conditions can become even more dangerous due to slower reaction times and decreased vision. With less fat than younger people, the cold can be much more uncomfortable, if not unsafe. And the heat can make life nearly unbearable and it can also be hazardous.

2014 has been a rough year weather-wise. The long California drought (which, despite recent rainfall, is not over – it will take about three years of regular rainfall to get the state back to “normal” conditions), the cold winter that started the year off and this was also the hottest year on record.

The ideal way to deal with weather and your senior are just keeping them cooler or warmer than you’d like to be, based on the environment. If it’s winter and you’re cold, your senior is likely colder. If it’s sweater weather outside, be sure to grab a coat for them before heading out for a walk. If it’s hot outside, maybe forgo the neighborhood stroll altogether. In both of these cases, a drive to the mall for some exercise can be a great alternative. Cool in the summer and hot in the winter – and always new products to look at!

Don’t forget about other weather-related hazards like ice on the sidewalks and parking lots. Extremely bright sunlight can also be dangerous, so be sure they have some nice big shades! Diaper rash can also be a problem for those seniors using them – sweat in the summertime (or even in over-heated rooms, which can often get very dry) can lead to more diaper rash than normal. Be sure to use cloth-backed diapers to keep the air circulating. You can find more tips to staying cool in pull-ups in the summer in our blog post here.

What are you favorite tips for keeping seniors safe in all types of weather?

Last Sale of the Year!

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 30, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Receive some great savings before the end of the year! Today and tomorrow, you can save 5% on all orders over $50. And receive free shipping! Use the code “NYE2015” to save – but hurry! Offer expires 12/31/14.

The Benefits of Adult Diapers

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 29, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

When it comes to choosing a type of incontinence product, the main question is adult diapers (AKA briefs) or protective underwear (AKA pull-ups or pull-ons). Briefs can have their advantages over protective underwear, depending on the lifestyle of the wearer.

One advantage is: briefs offer the ability to put on and take off the item without the removal of pants or shoes. This is helpful for both caregivers who are the ones helping their care with the briefs, or for individuals who need to be able to change their briefs while out and about. Many of our customers find the First Quality Adult Briefs easy to use, with their Easy Lock Fasteners (ELF), that can be reused to reposition and are not sticky. These are available in cases, or as a sample to find the right size.

Additionally, briefs are available in larger sizes than pull-ups. The Prevail Bariatric Brief is available in two sizes: A is for waist sizes from 62 inches to 73 inches and B is for waist sizes up to 94 inches. Size A is also available as a sample so the user can get the perfect fit.

Briefs can also provide more absorbency than regular protective underwear, which can be great for overnight usage. Tranquilty’s All-Thru-the-Night Brief offers extra absorbency, so the wearer’s skin is not compromised by staying wet for hours.

But, if you’re looking for a product that provides many of the benefits of briefs, with the secure and underwear-like fit of protective underwear, we recommend Prevail’s Adjustable Underwear. They come with reattachable side tabs that open.

We’d love to hear your feedback on any of these products, or others that we offer on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Feel free to comment below, or review the products on their individual pages.

More Product Reviews

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 24, 2014 under BladderMatters, Ostomy Care, Very Urological | Be the First to Comment

We took a look at some of our product reviews back in August but as we get new reviews in all the time, we thought the topic worth another visit.

Please keep in mind that all of our products are available to review right on their page. Not only do we love the feedback about the items we carry, reviewing can help your fellow customers know more about a product. We try to create product descriptions that are helpful to all customers, but those of you who are using them have the best knowledge about them!

Review of Prevail Adjustable Underwear:
“My husband needed after Prostate cancer surgery and found this brand best fit and most comfortable for larger size man.”

Review of Hollister Adapt Paste:
“My son was born with gastroschesis, which is a birth defect were the intestines grow out of the body in utero. He had his first surgery an hour after birth and now has a colostomy. He makes in a bag until his reversal surgery. The bag was constantly leaking and pulling away from his skin. I was changing it at least 5 times a day. My surgeon told me about Adapt which keeps the round and bag secure for at least 24 hours. This product changed everything.”

Review of Dale Foley Tube Catheter Leg Band:
“…This is probably the best product of its kind on the market. I have used it for years and prefer it over anything else. They are washable and can be bleached to disinfect. One will last me at least two months.”

We love these positive reviews, but we are aware that not all products work perfectly for everyone. A recent comment on one of our skin barriers for ostomates told us that while they found the product easy to fit and durable, and called it a good product, that they found it difficult to remove. In that case, we would recommend another skin barrier for that person, as different adhesives can affect various skin types in unexpected ways.

If you have an opinion on one of our products, we ask that you head over to TotalHomeCareSupplies.com and tell us!

Keeping the Holidays Stress-Free for Your Senior (and You)

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 23, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

The holidays are definitely here! And you may well be visiting your elderly parents, staying with your caree or having seniors visit you. How can you make to and through the new year in the most stress-free way? A little planning and an attitude of “not-sweating-the-small stuff” should help.

Traditions
Traditions are great and part of why many of us look forward to the holidays. But don’t forget that the reasons traditions are there is to keep families and friends together and happy. So if a tradition is no longer making someone happy, maybe it’s time to alter it. For instance, if it’s the tradition to sit down for Christmas dinner at precisely five o’ clock BUT this year, grandma’s Sundowner Syndrome has gotten worse – is it really so bad to have a Christmas lunch instead?

Downtime
Because it’s hard to get everyone together very often, we all tend to squish a lot of activities into a small period of time. But maybe it’s better to just focus on one larger thing per day? A trip to the zoo can just be a morning activity, at least for your senior, followed by a meal and then some downtime or naptime in the afternoon. Having your senior there for all the moments is great, but if they’re not enjoying themselves, the moments mean less.

Follow-up
After the holidays are over, and everyone has packed up and gone home, keep the emotional needs of your senior in mind. As startling as the transition to having lots of family and friends around may have been, the transition back to “normal” could be worse. If you’re near your senior, perhaps try and increase the amount of social time they receive. And if you’re far, try and call and check in a little more for the first few weeks. Maybe send a little gift or a note, make sure they know you’re thinking of them all year long.

What are some tips you have about keeping the holidays more about family and togetherness and less about stress? We here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com would love to hear it in the comments below!

How to Pack an Incontinence Emergency Kit

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 22, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

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!

Great Holiday Senior Activities

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 18, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Maybe you’re visiting your parents during the holidays. Maybe you’re a caregiver who wants to bring the holiday spirit into your senior’s home. Whatever the reason, the cold weather, Christmas and New Year’s bring a wealth of ideas with them for how to create and entertain.

Reading
The poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was written in the 1800’s, so chances are that everyone has heard the verses at least once in their life. Don’t be afraid to turn the lights low and grab a blanket and just enjoy reading out loud. And there are always religious texts and passages to read that are specific to this season.

Hot Cocoa Tasting
The next time you’re at the store, grab a few different types hot cocoa. Don’t worry, you’ll use it up before the weather warms up. Brew up a few cups and each and split it between the group. See if people can tell the difference (you can always throw in some Quik or other distinct flavored cocoa). And you never know which flavors may bring back a memory to talk about!

Music
While you may well be tired of Christmas music by this point, the senior (who hasn’t been out and about much) may not. So find some tunes they’ll recognize and you’re not totally exhausted of and put them on. Perhaps you can listen while decorating the house – or even stringing popcorn! The intricate stringing may prove too difficult for an elderly person, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy the site, smells and tastes of you doing it.

Cooking
Speaking of making popcorn … do you know what your senior’s favorite meal is? It may not be easy, it may be unhealthy, but during the holidays, with businesses closed and unhealthy food everywhere already, now might be the perfect time to cook that dish.

What are your favorite holiday activities? Do you have to modify them to adapt to your senior’s lifestyle, or do they fit perfectly? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!

Happy Holiday Savings from Total Home Care Supplies

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 16, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

From now through the end of December, you can receive $8 off all orders over $100. And everyday, all orders over $40 are shipped for free! Use the code “SNOWFALL” to save big between now and December 31st.

Our Most Absorbent Adult Diapers

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 15, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

The two main qualities that one should look for first in an adult diaper are comfort and absorbency. And both have a lot to do with fit. A diaper that is the wrong size will not feel right on the body. It’s important to base the size on waist size, but also where the diaper is hugging the body. Some people like having a more high-rise brief, others low-rise. As for absorbency, a diaper that is the wrong fit will not absorb properly. Do not assume that a larger diaper will absorb more liquid. All high-absorbency diapers will do their job, no matter their size, if they fit correctly. A correct fit will keep leaks to a minimum.

Many of our available products offer a variance of incontinence protection. But today we’re taking a look at the adult diapers that offer the most absorbency:

First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs – The cloth-like back sheeting makes these diapers comfortable, low noise and allows more air to the area.

Per-Fit Adult Briefs – Featuring OdorGuard technology – all liquid is absorbed and trapped before becoming a problem.

First Quality Prevail Adult Bariatric Brief A – QUICK WICK™ with MaxSoft pulls the moisture quickly into the core of the diaper (also available in larger size B).

Depend Protection with Tabs Briefs – The Ultra Absorb-Loc® protection means leaks are no longer a worry.

Tranquility ATN (All-Thru-the-Nite) Brief – The absorbency means your skin is not compromised when wearing overnight.

Seven Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 13, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Original post by Leslie Gaillard for LiveConfidently.com

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times to stick to a healthy meal plan. Here are some strategies to help you survive this holiday season with your weight and health intact.

1. Maintain, don’t gain.

While you may be interested in losing weight, the holidays are a tough time for many people to do this. Make a plan to weigh yourself at least once a week to keep tabs on your weight. If you notice your weight beginning to increase, you can address this before one pound turns into many pounds gained.

2. Plan for special holiday events.

Baked goods, potlucks, and celebrations with family and friends can derail anyone’s healthy eating plan. The key is to think about these events in advance and have a plan for your eating. Have a snack before you go so you’ll be less likely to overindulge. If you are going to a potluck or dinner, limit yourself to one plate. Holiday food typically is not low calorie, but if you watch your portion sizes you can still enjoy some of your favorite holiday foods while keeping your overall intake in check.

3. Add some extra exercise.

Physical activity can burn extra calories and also be another non-food related activity you can do with friends and family. Instead of meeting someone for a meal, suggest a walk or another form of exercise that you both enjoy.

4. Limit your indulgences.

One of my mantras is that it is a “Holi-DAY” not a “Holi-WEEK” or a “Holi-MONTH.” Allow yourself to enjoy some special holiday foods, but try to limit overindulgences to a single day, rather than a week or longer.

5. Record your food intake.

If you find yourself consuming significant amounts of calories from any particular food item, such as sweet treats or alcoholic beverages, make a plan to control your intake. Keep a food record for the items you have consumed each day, evaluate it, and then make a food plan for the next day. For example, if you record that you have consumed three cookies on a particular day, make a food plan for the next day that eliminates or reduces the amount of sweet treats.

6. Eat mindfully.

One of my clients’ most successful strategies is to try to be the last person to finish his meal at the table. This requires him to slow down his pace of eating. Set your utensil down between bites, take sips of your beverage, remember to chew your food thoroughly, and enjoy the conversation of those you are dining with. As a result of practicing these mindful strategies for eating, my client feels more satisfied with less food and even reports enjoying the taste of the food more.

7. Modify your recipes.

There are simple ways to modify your recipes to make them lower in both fat and calories. For example, whole eggs in baked good recipes can be replaced with egg whites (two egg whites for every whole egg) or egg substitutes. You can also replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce or ripe bananas. In dishes that call for cheese or whole milk, choose the reduced fat versions instead. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your recipes to make your holiday meals more nutrient-dense.

With all of these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to having a happy and healthy holiday season! Have some suggestions to add for staying healthy during the holidays? Head over to our incontinence forum and chat with people just like you.

Original article can be found at Live.confidently.com.