Tag Archives: totalhomecaresupplies.com

Closer Look Series: Protective Underwear

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 23, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

At TotalHomeCareSupplies.com we carry over 20 different types of protective underwear items (or pull-ups) in sizes ranging from Small (20 inches) to XXL (up to 80 inches). But what are the special features that make these items different from adult diapers – and different from one another?

Many of our protective underwear items have “cloth-like” material. This material does not make them more likely to leak than plastic material. The absorbency for these items comes from the material that is inside the underwear, generally small, ultra-absorbent beads. What the cloth-like material does do is protect your skin because it allows more air circulation in the underwear. The absence of all that plastic also helps the underwear stay quieter when you move and look and feel more like regular underwear. Many of our Prevail products are made with the cloth-like material.

We sell several adult pull-ups that are gender specific – this means that the “Stay-Dry” zones are positioned in a place that makes sense for that person’s anatomy. If you have been experiencing leaks while using a pull-up, but, after removal, find that parts of the pull-up are dry, a gender specific pair of protective underpants may be the answer. Both Prevail and Depend offer these types of pull-ups.

While some pull-ups feature “stay dry strips,” others feature a “full mat,” meaning that all parts of the protective underwear are absorbent. Tranquility offers a daytime pull-up and a night-time pull-up with this feature, and each of these products provides a full waist, which some individuals find more comfortable.

What are the questions you have about different types of protective underwear or adult diapers? Ask below and we’ll answer in later posts in our Closer Look Series.

Happy Certified Nurses Day!

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 19, 2015 under Caregiver Corner, Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Every March 19^th, certified nurses are celebrated. This date was picked because it’s the birthday of Margretta ‘Gretta’ Madden Styles, who was an expert in nurse credentialing. Board certified nurses help their employers stay on top of the changing medical world and bring new perspectives to old problems.

If you head over to Twitter and search for #CertifiedNursesDay or #CertifiedNursesRock, you’ll find all sorts of smiling faces, fun photos and enthusiasm.

There are a staggering number of credentials and certifications that a nurse can receive. Wikipedia has quite an extensive list, but they admit it is incomplete. Just a few of those different types of nursing certifications include Certified Health Education Specialist, Licensed Practical Nurse and a WOCN: a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse, who recently had their own shout-out here on the TotalHomeCareSupplies.com blog.

For all you certified nurses out there: thank you so much! We know you do so much to care for your patients. Check out the fun video below from American Nurses Credentialing Center:

#ElderCareChat

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 17, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

On the first and third Wednesdays of every month OurParents.com and Caregiving.com host a Twitter discussion called #ElderCareChat. TotalHomeCareSupplies.com has been participating in these chats for the last few months and we’d like to give you an idea of how the chats work and what they’re about.

The chats take place at 1PM Eastern Time and last an hour. The two hosts co-moderate on differing weeks between @OurParents and Denise, who has the @Caregiving Twitter handle. On occasion, a guest moderator will be invited who is an expert on that week’s topic!

Past topics have included “Legal Issues,” “Self-Care and Accountability in Caregiving,” and “Finding the Joy in Growing Older.” Generally, seven or eight questions are asked to the group, signified by, “Q1,” “Q2” and so on. When the participants of the chat answer, they put “A1” or “A2” into their answer, along with #ElderCareChat so everyone participating will be able to see their answer. At the end of the chat, participants are invited to tweet links to relevant sources or their own sites.

Getting to participate in and observe these chats is very rewarding and educating. Sometimes the questions are ones to think about and process – other times the answers are easy and fun to give! Even if the question seems overwhelming or personal, there’s always at least one participant who has the perfect answer.

The next #ElderCareChat takes place tomorrow, and the discussion topic is “Solving Caregiving’s Financial Conundrums.” You can find more information here and we hope to see you tomorrow on Twitter!

Hollister New Image Flexwear Skin Barrier CTF: 14203, 14204

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 16, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

This post is part of our series about the ostomy items that we carry at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. This item, Hollister’s New Image Flexwear Skin Barrier CTF (Cut-to-Fit) comes in two different sizes: the 14203 has a 2 ¼ inch flange as a part of the two piece system (the flange and the pouch, not included) and the 14204 has a 2 ¾ inch flange.

The term “Flexwear” is how Hollister indicates that the product is a standard wear skin barrier, as opposed to an extended wear skin barrier. The barrier protects skin from corrosive drainage.

This type of skin barrier is a floating flange, which eliminates pressure on tender post-operative abdomens, though many find it comfortable after the post-surgery stage depending on the placement and whether their stoma is convex or concave.

This Cut-to-Fit system provides the utmost security with by with its patented locking system. A tape boarder is used to keep the flange on the skin.

A review of this product by an ostomate states that this product is “Easy to fit, durable, good product,” but recommends that an adhesive remover be used when it’s time to take the product off of the skin.

An Introduction to Breast Pumps

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 11, 2015 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

TotalHomeCareSupplies.com sells breast pumps and their accessories, including flanges, storage bags, storage bottles, car adapters, nursing pads and Store’N Pour starting kits. Not sure what all those things are or how you’ll use them? Keep reading!

Your main component will obviously be the breast pump, which is lightweight and portable. The Ameda Purely Yours Pump is a closed system with individually adjustable controls and built-in bottle holders. The pump will also arrive with two 36 inch tubes, two adapter caps, two silicone diaphragms, two pump bodies with standard size breast shields, four white valves and two four-ounce bottles with tops.

The flange is the part of the pump that fits over your breast. The ones that come with the pump are standard size, and the extra flanges that we sell are in sizes Medium/Large and Extra-large/XXL.

The Store’N Pour Starting Kit has milk storage bags (so you’re able to store more milk that you could in bottles) along with two flange adapters. The adapters mean you’re able to pump milk directly into the bags.

As for putting the whole thing together so you can start pumping, we recommend watching the video below. Happy pumping!

Conflicts in Caregiving: Accepting Help

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 10, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Caregiving is an exhausting endeavor. Being responsible for another human who has their own life can be quite the task. There are appointments, therapies, tips to remember, behaviors to accommodate and much more. So why is it that so many caregivers are reluctant to ask for help or to accept help that has been offered?

There are several reasons, and more than we can list or identify here. There’s pride. There’s the notion that taking the time to explain to someone else how they can help would take longer than time they’d be able to actually help. There’s fear that if something goes wrong when someone is helping that it is your fault.

Allowing someone to come in and take over caregiving duties can be daunting. So if you’re having trouble accepting help, maybe start with peripheral tasks. If someone is offering help, but isn’t sure what that should do, have them stop by the grocery store for you, or pick up the dry cleaning. See if they’re willing to come over and just be with you and your caree for a meal – even better if they’re willing to cook!

Maybe once you see them handle a few of the simpler tasks, you can slowly show them more and more of the daily tasks it takes to be the caregiver of your caree. Keep in mind how important it is for you to take breaks from caregiving, for your own mental and physical health. And don’t forget that none of us is infallible – if you were temporarily incapable of doing your caregiving duties, is there someone who would be able to come in as your backup?

Accepting help isn’t about weakness – it’s about the strength to know your own limits and what’s best for you and your caree.

Hollister New Image Lock N Roll Drainable Pouch Transparent with Filter: 18193, 18192, 18194

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 7, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Read the First Comment

Today, we’ll be continuing our series, taking a closer look at some of our ostomy items. Hollister’s New Image Lock N Roll Drainable Pouch Transparent with Filter comes in three different sizes: 1 ¾ inch flange, 2 ¼ inch and 2 ¾ inch.

The exciting part about this pouch is how easy it is to close. All you have to do is take the end, roll or fold it three times in the same direction, then, while pressing from the middle outward, you can actually feel the pouch seal and become leak-proof. That’s why they call it the Lock N Roll! It’s great for all drainable pouch users, but especially for those with vision issues or those with dexterity problems.

Not only is it easy to close, it’s also easy to empty. Simply give the sides a light pinch to open the pouch, and you’ll be able to control the content flow. As soon as you stop pinching, there are firm reinforcing stripes to that shut the pouch. You can then use a tissue to easily wipe the inside of the pouch clean, and you’ll be able to roll it closed again.

This model also features an integrated filter to keep all odors inside the pouch without filling with gas. The pouch walls are odor barriers and rustle free. Belt tabs are also included. You’ll find a ComfortWear pouch panel on both sides. And do remember that this pouch is transparent.

If you have used this pouch before, please let your fellow ostomates know! You may comment below or leave a review on the product page. Thanks!

Large and Bariatric Adult Diapers and Pull-Ups

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 5, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

For those looking for adult diapers larger than the general “medium” waist size of 35 to 40 inches, many of the briefs and even pull-ups that we offer here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com come in are available in bigger sizes. Between large and extra-large sizes, and the five types of bariatric diapers we sell, we have options available up to 106 inch waist sizes.

Most of our adult diapers are available in large and extra-large sizes, varying from First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs to Tranquility’s ATN (All-Thru-the-Nite) Brief. Speaking of Tranquility, they make three of the bariatric briefs we sell: the AIR-Plus Bariatric Disposable Briefs, the Hi-Rise Bariatric Disposable Briefs and the regular XL Bariatric Disposable Brief.

The two other bariatric diapers we offer are made by Prevail, and they come in two sizes, A (sizes 62-73 inches) and B (up to 94 inches). We also offer the A size as a sample, to see if the fit works for you or your caree.

If you’re looking for pull-ups, there are three items we offer that are available in sizes up to 80 inches. The first of these is one of our best sellers, Prevail’s Extra Adult Pull-Up. These protective underwear come in five sizes, including the 2XL in 68 to 80 inches. That item is also available as a two-pack sample. Two other available items are both from Tranquility: the Premium DayTime Disposable Absorbent Underwear and the Premium OverNight Disposable Absorbent Underwear, both available in sizes that go up to 80 inches.

Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 4, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

The word we’re talking about here is the R-word, “retard” or “retarded.” And those who are asking for pledges to stop using the word are families, celebrities, kids, all with or without special needs. The request is about respect: giving respect to everyone around you by no longer using that word, even when only used as slang. It’s a hurtful word no matter what the context. Even in a medical “diagnosis” or state law. That’s why organizations like r-word.org have been working to get this word replaced in medical and law books. Last year, the Supreme Court stopped using the term.

A lot of stories and fun photos have been shared on the above site, r-word.org and their Twitter page.Every year, Ellen from the blog lovethatmax.com writes an eloquent and often hilarious post about ending the word, and this year is no different.

The campaign was started in 2009 by the Special Olympics. This summer, the Special Olympics will be in Total Home Care Supplies’ area in Los Angeles!

Below, you’ll find a fun video about doing the “R-Word Stomp” that we retweeted to our Twitter page earlier today:

Hollister New Image Cut-to-Fit Convex Flextend Skin Barrier, with Tape: 14803, 14802, 14804

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 27, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

We’re taking another look into one of the ostomy items that we offer at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. The Hollister New Image Cut-to-Fit Convex Flextend Skin Barrier, with Tape is special because of its convex shape, offering a better fit to those with stomas that are recessed, retracted or flush.

The convexity is ideal for tender, post-operative abdomens because it eliminates pressure on the area. Part of how it’s able to do this is the “floating flange,” which this item shares with the Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier CTF. There are three sizes available: the 1 ¾ inch flange has a maximum barrier opening of 1 inch, the 2 ¼ inch flange has an opening of 1 ½ inch and the 2 ¾ inch flange has an opening of 2 inches. And once the wearer finds the perfect fit, the barrier protects the skin over extended wearing time from irritating discharge.

Before we finish up, let’s take a look at the reviews for this barrier:

“I have tried several brands of ostomy bags, and Hollister New Image Flextend is the only one that lasts more days. I have to change mine every 4 days. My output is liquid consistency due to my recent surgery and liquid diet. I have to use strip paste in addition to prevent leakages. Easy to use.”

“This product made my post-operation experience as easy as it could be, considering the worries I had about having a colostomy.”