Every single one of us, if we live long enough, is likely to experience being a family caregiver, needing a family caregiver, or both. This is according to the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. In support hereof, the National Alliance for Caregiving state in their 2020 report that 53 million people in the US were caring for a loved one, whether a relative or friend. The report also highlights a number of other interesting facts.

·         24% of family caregivers are looking after more than one person

·         More than a quarter of them are finding it difficult to coordinate care

·         One in five rate their own health as fair to poor

·         A similar number say that their health has deteriorated due to the demands of caregiving

All in all, not a pretty picture, you would agree. What’s more, all of these metrics are significantly worse than they were in 2015. It’s quite clear, therefore, that caregivers have an extremely tough task and they need all the support they can get. 

A good place to start would be to get connected to a caregiver support group or an organization like the Family Caregiver Alliance. This is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to "improve the quality of life for caregivers and the people who receive their care." Another wise move would be to equip yourself adequately.

Thanks to continuous advances in technology, there are a lot of products available today that can contribute to easing the burden of caregiving. In this regard, look no further than LL Medico. Offering a comprehensive range of products coupled with 25 years of experience in this field, you never need to fight this battle alone.

Incontinence products

One of the most common conditions caregivers are challenged with is incontinence. Although incontinence is much better understood nowadays, it still carries quite a stigma and causes a lot of inconvenience and stress for patients and caregivers alike. We look at some of the products that would help relieve some of this stress.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers can make life easier, both for yourself and for your loved one. Incontinence can cause embarrassment, inconvenience, and disruption to routine.

• Some People may avoid social situations leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can cause skin irritation and even infections. This can be particularly problematic for older adults and those with mobility issues who may have difficulty maintaining good hygiene.
• Incontinence can impact a person's quality of life, as they may be constantly worried about leakage and may need to plan their daily activities around access to a bathroom.
• Anxiety and depression: Incontinence can be a source of significant stress and anxiety for some people, and can even lead to depression.

Adult diapers can help you remedy these issues. You’ll add some stability and predictability back into your loved one’s life, taking away what might have been a source of constant worry. No matter your loved one’s level of independence and mobility, adult diapers can allow them to focus on other things instead of their incontinence.

Urology products and catheters  

In some cases, incontinence can be managed through the use of external devices that control the flow of urine. For male patients, a penile clamp puts pressure on the urethra and blocks it off. It is an inexpensive and discreet way to manage mild to moderate incontinence. It is easy to use and is inconspicuous under normal clothing.  

The other option is a catheter that help the user to control the voiding of the bladder. There are various types but they operate in more or less the same way. A tube is passed through the urethra into the bladder. The other end may be kept open to drain directly into a toilet or the patient can use a bag strapped to the leg to collect the urine. The bag is emptied when full or at regular intervals when the patient chooses.

Mobility Aids

Reduced mobility can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, affecting their independence, social interactions and ability to participate in work or recreational activities. However, with appropriate accommodations and support, people with reduced mobility can lead fulfilling and active lives.

Thanks to modern technology, a vast range of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility  scooters are available nowadays. Canes are the simplest option but suitable only for people mild balance issues or slightly reduced mobility. Walkers are slightly more elaborate and, with four legs, provide a greater degree of support and stability.

For more severe cases, wheelchair or mobility scooter provide maximum support and independence. Wheelchairs may be manually operated or powered by an electric motor while mobility scooters are all motorized.

Disposable Washcloths

Disposable washcloths may not be the first thing you think of in relation to incontinence or reduced mobility. They are, however, an essential element of your medical supplies cabinet. For people with incontinence, this is a convenient and hygienic way to clean and disinfect the skin when you change diapers.

When caring for a loved one with limited mobility, showers and baths can become difficult and time-consuming. While a full bath is necessary periodically, a disposable washcloth gives you a quick, simple way to keep your loved one clean in between baths or showers.

High Calorie Nutritional Drinks

As people age, they become more prone to nutrition problems.

·         Decreased appetite is very common and results from a decreased sense of taste and smell, medication side effects, dental problems, or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

·         Older people may have a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and folate.

·         Digestive problems such as constipation and acid reflux can affect the ability to eat and absorb nutrients.

Apart from medical intervention, nutritional supplements and drinks are an effective way to ensure that your loved one gets all the nutrients that they need to maintain their overall health. Supplements and drinks are available in a wide range of formulations to meet all carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral requirements.      

Conclusion

LL Medico is dedicated to making your life easier while making your loved one’s life safer and more comfortable. We carry all of the products discussed above plus so much more. Contact us today at sales@llmedico.com or (855) 422-4556 if you need more information.