Important points to consider

• Even mild confusion can mean you don’t always use continence products correctly or effectively. Continence products that look like everyday items can help. For example, you may find it easier to remember to use an absorbent product that looks like normal underwear rather than a separate pad. A commode that resembles a toilet may remind you to use it.

• Pain and discomfort are the body’s ways of telling you that there is something wrong. For example, if your skin becomes damaged you will feel pain or discomfort. You should be able to recognise the need to put right the cause of the pain or get help.

• Incontinence is distressing symptoms for many people. It can be associated with depression and anxiety. Sometimes, this can lead to increased isolation and loneliness. If you would like to know more about this aspect of incontinence and how to get help, you can find out about continence organisations in your country for local help.

Product suggestions

The sections below give information about product choice and memory impairment. Click on the links to be taken to the relevant product sections for more detail.

Absorbent products

• Absorbent products will be more effective at containing leakage when they are fitted correctly and changed at appropriate times, giving you confidence to go about your daily life.

• If you forget or are confused about how to use your pads or to change them, they are more likely to leak onto clothes or furniture.

• If you depend on a helper to remind you to change a pad you may prefer to use larger pads. These tend to need changing less often than small pads.

You can read more information about all types of absorbent products in the sections on Absorbent products for women and Absorbent products for men.

Catheters

• Intermittent catheterisation must be done regularly, at intervals that ensure your bladder does not become over-full. Timing of catheterisations should be agreed between you and your healthcare professional. If you are unlikely to remember to self-catheterise then intermittent catheterisation is probably not a good method of bladder management for you unless you have a helper to remind you.

• Indwelling catheters are usually connected to a urine collection bag. If urine collection bags get too full they can leak through the tap or could even burst. There is also a risk of kidney damage if a bag is allowed to become over-full, because your bladder will not be able to empty. If you have impaired memory and need an indwelling catheter it is best if you have a helper who can remind you or help you to manage emptying the urine collection bag.

• Indwelling catheters can also be connected to a catheter valve. Catheter valves must be opened periodically to allow urine to drain from the bladder. If your bladder feels full you must be able to respond and open the valve. If you do not get the feeling of a full bladder, you must remember to open the valve at regular times - for example, every 3 hours. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO USE CATHETER VALVES IF YOU HAVE MEMORY IMPAIRMENT. Damage to the kidneys can occur if the bladder is routinely allowed to become over-full.

You can find more information about catheters and accessories here.

Male devices

• A sheath fits closely over the penis, similar to a contraceptive condom, and is usually held in place by adhesive. A body-worn urinal is also worn over the penis, but fits more loosely than a sheath and is held in place by straps or a garment. Both devices collect urine as it leaves the body, and the urine flows into a urine collection bag.

• If urine collection bags get too full they can leak through the tap or could even burst. The straps or other system that holds the bag in place on the leg are more likely to fail if the bag becomes full and heavy. If you have impaired memory it is best if you have a helper who can remind you or help you to manage emptying the urine collection bag.

• A penile compression device fits over the penis and compress the urethra to prevent urine from leaving the body. They should be released at least every 2 hours to allow the bladder to empty and should not be used at night or during prolonged periods of sleep. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO USE A PENILE COMPRESSION DEVICE IF YOU HAVE MEMORY IMPAIRMENT. Damage to the kidneys can occur if the bladder is routinely allowed to become over-full, and the device could lead to reduced blood supply to the penis.

You can find more information about male devices here.

Female devices

• Internal vaginal devices are intended to reduce the risk of urine leakage by compressing the urethra or supporting the muscles that support the bladder.

• These devices are inserted into the body and it is important that women using them remember that they are there because they must be changed at regular intervals.

You can find more information about female devices here.

Faecal devices

• Anal plugs or inserts are inserted into the rectum to prevent faeces from leaving the body. It is important to remember to remove them periodically. They are disposable and should be thrown away after use.

• Faecal collectors which stick to the skin around the anus should be removed regularly for the skin to be cleaned to avoid skin damage.

You can find more information about faecal devices here.

Toileting aids

• The main risk arising from impaired memory in this product group is failure to use the brakes on commodes and sanichairs, which have wheels to stop them from moving. Failure to do so leads to a risk of falling.

Follow these links to find more information about toileting aids for women and toileting aids for men.

Tips from product users

• Use an alarm clock to remind you to use the toilet or check if your pad needs changing.

• Alternatively, use 'post it' notes to remind you.

Sharing tips is an important aspect of this website. Please click on Contact to leave your 'user tips'.