Diapers for adults can be expensive, especially for those who need them the most. With the rising inflation costs hitting grocery stores this year, the cost of disposable underwear has soared. Disposable underwear can cost between $160-$240 each month. Incontinence gets pricey fast. What can you do to help your care recipient save money on adult diapers?
Your care recipient may have incontinence for several reasons: a urinary tract infection, medications, weak bladder, enlarged prostate, uterine prolapse, nerve issues, vaginal infections, and more. Changing disposable underwear often ends up being one of the primary duties of the family caregivers who manage the bulk of their loved one's health needs. There are many types of options today, depending on your care recipient's needs:
Most absorbent disposable underwear will hold urine for about eight hours. Your care recipient should be dry. Your care recipient's diaper use may change day-to-day depending on many factors, like whether they have an infection or are dehydrated. Solids need to be changed immediately, regardless.
As a caregiver, the change in role to caring for your care recipient's hygiene can be difficult. Here are a few tips.
The family caregiver often helps bear the financial burden of disposable underwear and other hygienic products like incontinence pads and mattress protectors. Even the time and cost of laundering soiled clothes can add up. Thankfully there are many ways to reduce the cost of disposable underwear.
Some ways to reduce the cost of incontinence products:
When looking for good discounts, remember that diapering adults always involves concerns for health and hygiene. For example, a brand may claim that the disposable underwear will stay dry for eight hours a day, but you may find that your care recipient needs changes several times a day. Good hygiene directly impacts health. Your care recipient can get a serious infection, sores, and other issues if they do not remain clean. You may have to try several different brands before finding the right one.
Many brands offer diaper discount programs that have a monthly fee. Always read the terms and conditions before registering for any discount programs. Most businesses set a minimum monthly diaper purchase requirement. Others only provide discounts when you purchase a specific quantity of diapers at once. Sometimes the family caregiver also buys skin creams, hygienic wipes, cleansing sprays, and hand sanitizer.
Unless your care recipient lives in a long-time care facility like a nursing home, the costs of disposable underwear are not covered by Original Medicare parts A and B. However, some Medicare Advantage Part C plan providers will provide any over-the-counter costs for supplies like adult diapers and wipes. Some discount prescription cards under Medicare Advantage D will cover medical supplies, including disposable underwear and supplies.
For Medicare to cover the cost, the disposable underwear must be medically necessary due to a long-term condition. Each state regulates optional benefits like over-the-counter costs. The local state Medicaid office can answer your questions.
When you look for the best option when diapering adults, consider what will provide the most comfort and good hygiene. Look for products with these qualities:
High-quality disposable underwear will keep your care recipient dry without skin irritation. Additionally, they should be comfortable. Diapering an adult should be stress-free. Consider trying different options based on your care recipient's needs. An absorbent pad or comfortable, absorbent underwear may offer a more palatable option.
Finding the correct disposable underwear for your loved one will help increase their quality of life and keep them healthy. We put together a helpful list of the best and more comfortable paper underwear and products like skin creams and wipes. While many popular brands fill grocery store shelves, at the end of the day, you want the best for your loved one.
Taking care of your care recipient's diapering needs can be costly. By following these simple tips and purchasing high-quality, comfortable diapers with maximum absorbency, your care recipient will feel more comfortable and happy.
