A Caregiver’s Guide to Incontinence: Tips for Outings, Travel, and Self-Care

How Do I Support My Loved One Managing Incontinence?

Despite its long list of challenges and inconveniences, incontinence does not have to be the thing that defines your loved one or your time together, and it definitely does not have to be a prison sentence. With the help of the right incontinence products and supplies, and a little planning ahead, you both can continue to live the lives you love. 

Here are a few easy tips to make your time as a caregiver run smoothly. 

Be Prepared: Keep a Prepped Bag for Outings  

Whether you’re visiting family or attending a doctor’s appointment, it’s important to pack a separate bag with all the incontinence supplies your loved one will need for a day away from home, including:  

• Clean diapers, pull-ons, or pads 

• Wipes 

• Disposal bags 

• Gloves 

• Hand sanitizer 

• An absorbent underpad 

• Spare set of clothing (just in case) 

Choose the diapers that you feel confident will provide your loved one with the absolute best amount of coverage and protection. NorthShore Care Supply MegaMax Overnight Diapers provide unmatched protection for up to 12 hours, reducing the number of changes and back-up products needed while away from home.   
 

Vacations and Travel: Stick to Trusted Products 

Vacation is not the time to experiment with new products. When everything is new and different from your typical routine, sticking to your favorite brands and products will ensure your time away is as relaxed and stress-free as possible. It’s not worth the risk to assume your destination will have what your family needs, and local drugstore brands don’t often meet the needs of anyone who experiences moderate to severe incontinence. By shipping packages to your destination ahead of time, you’ll be able to guarantee that you’ll be safely stocked for the entirety of your trip and save yourself one less thing to worry about.

Self-Care Matters: Preventing Caregiver Burnout

The number one thing that anyone caring for another human being can do – whether you’re a professional trauma nurse or the child of an elderly parent – is recognize the importance of self-care. 

No matter how difficult it might seem to carve out time in the day to take care of yourself, it is an imperative piece of the puzzle, both to prevent burnout and to be the best caregiver that you can be. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Below are some ideas for self-care for caregivers. 

Prioritizing Self-Care While Caregiving 

1. Make time for “me time.” Read a book, watch a favorite show, go for a walk, take an exercise class – make a promise for 1-2 hours a week that you won’t do chores or anything that isn’t explicitly just for you. Meditation is also a valuable tool to recenter yourself and manage stress. Setting aside five minutes a day for simple breath work or guided meditation can help you feel more mindful and grounded in your daily life. 

2. Talk to someone. Joining support groups and participating in therapy are helpful ways to relieve stress, vent in a safe setting, and manage your mental health. If you don’t know where to start, talk to your doctor for a therapist referral who specializes in caregiver support. Additional resources, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness¹, Psychology Today's Find a Therapist², the APA's Psychologist Locator³, or the ZenCare⁴  therapist database, are all available online.

3. Explore respite care options. Respite care offers a temporary break for primary caregivers – ranging from a few hours to several weeks. It can happen at home, in a healthcare facility or an adult care center. Offering a much-needed reprieve for caregivers, respite care can provide an invaluable feeling of “reset” before burnout sets in. Many community organizations offer respite care services. Visit ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center⁵ to learn more about what resources are available in your area. 

If you’re caring for someone with incontinence, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. When questions come up about products, sizing, or planning for outings and travel, NorthShore’s Customer Care Experts are available to offer judgment-free guidance and practical support. They can help you explore options, order free samples, and find solutions that make daily care feel more manageable for both you and your loved one. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What should I keep in a bag when I take a loved one with incontinence out? 

A: It’s important to pack a separate bag with all the incontinence supplies your loved one will need for a day away from home. These should include clean diapers, pull-ons, or pads, wipes, disposal bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, an absorbent underpad, and a spare set of clothing (just in case). 

Q: What are some tips for traveling with a loved one with incontinence? 

A: Sticking to your favorite brands and products - ones you trust to keep your loved one dry all day and all night - will ensure your time away is as relaxed and stress-free as possible. By shopping on northshorecare.com and shipping packages to your destination ahead of time, you’ll be safely stocked for the entirety of your trip. 

Q: How can I take time for self-care as a caregiver? 

A: As a caregiver, it is important to make time for your favorite hobbies, such as reading, exercising, or watching a show. Joining a support group and participating in therapy are good ways to relieve stress, vent when needed, and manage your mental health. If you need additional support, respite care offers a temporary break for primary caregivers – ranging from a few hours to several weeks.  

Q: Are there online resources for caregivers supporting a loved one with incontinence?  

A: Yes! Additional support resources, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness¹, Psychology Today's Find a Therapist², the APA's Psychologist Locator³, or the ZenCare⁴ therapist database, are all available online. 

Resources

^{1 https://www.nami.org/Support-Education}

^{2 http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists}

^{3 https://locator.apa.org/}

^{4 https://zencare.co/}

^{5 https://arch.gnosishosting.net/Portal/Registry}