As the bariatric population in long-term care continues to grow, companies are making sure providers know about new incontinence options.
Cutting Edge Healthcare announced in August it had launched a new company, Dignex LLC, that would sell a redesigned bariatric product in sizes 2XL, 3XL and 4XL.
“While developing our offering with key opinion leaders, it became increasingly apparent that the current market options for bariatric patients were insufficient in terms of coverage, absorptive capacity, overall retention and sizing,” said Board Chairman Meyer Greenbaum. The bariatric population has an expected compound annual growth rate of 7% for the next 15 years, he said.
Obese residents with incontinence have increased care needs, said Michelle Christiansen, vice president of clinical sales at Medline Personal Care Division. This includes a greater risk for developing pressure injures.
“It is essential that facilities have available incontinence supplies that are appropriately sized for larger individuals,” she said. This means residents “remain comfortable and dry while also maintaining their dignity. Super-absorbent products also reduce fatigue.”
She encouraged providers to complete a thorough assessment that includes whether a brief or pull-up is needed, and to be accurate on sizing.
“Before you start looking for an XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL brief, you first need to have those hip and waist measurements,” she said.
As a need for larger resident products grows, Essity also has worked to meet the demand, said its national clinical director, Tony Forsberg, RN.
“Our larger briefs are not simply larger around the waist, but have a longer rise in the front and back, providing more ample coverage,” he said. “The stretch sizes allow freedom of movement and minimize binding in the thigh area, a common concern for larger persons.”
From the September 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
