The Depends Trick

Imagine this: you're caring for a loved one, and the task of changing their depends feels more like an uphill battle than a simple chore. What if I told you there’s a smarter, more efficient way to make this process not only not only easier but also more dignified for both caregiver and care recipient. In this article, I’ll share a game-changing trick that can transform a time-consuming routine into a seamless experience, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters—spending quality moments together

Step 1: Remove Soiled Depends

Depends are designed to rip at the seams. It may take a little muscle, but they will rip! Carefully rip down both seams. If the depends are soiled with urine, it will likely soak in like a diaper. If solid waste is present, particularly loose stool, containment may be challenging, so rip carefully! Roll the soiled depends to keep any waste inside and remove carefully!

Once the soiled depends are removed, you can put on a fresh one.

Important Note on Skin Care:

I know what you might be thinking: “But what about cleaning the skin?” Since it can be challenging for older individuals to stand from a sitting position, I try to minimize the number of times they need to do this. Replace the depends now, then clean the skin when they stand up and pull up the new depends all in one step, rather than having them stand multiple times.

Step 2: Thread the New Depends

Thread the fresh incontinence garment through the pant leg, starting at the cuff. Pull the depends up through until it is around one leg and above the pants (it doesn’t matter which leg you start with).

Next, reach your hand up through the other pant leg from the bottom (cuff) and grab the free side of the depends. Pull your hand back through and loop it around the foot, ensuring the inside of the depends is facing up. Just slip it over the foot and pull it up above the pants.

NOTE: It’s possible for the depends to get twisted when pulling them through. It may take a couple of tries to figure out the correct way to do this, but don’t give up—this technique is worth the additional effort!

Step 3: Clean the Skin

Once the person stands up, have them hold on while you clean the skin with a gloved hand. Baby wipes work excellently for this. If using a wet washcloth, make sure to pat the skin dry before continuing. At this point, you can apply non-talc baby powder to keep the area dry or a skin protectant to prevent skin breakdown.

Step 4: Pull Everything Up

Once the individual is clean and dry, assist them in pulling up their clothing or any necessary garments. Make sure they are comfortable and secure in their clothing, ensuring there are no wrinkles or bunching that might cause discomfort or irritation. If the individual uses adult briefs or other support garments, double-check that they are positioned correctly to prevent leaks or discomfort.

Take this time to ensure they feel confident and dignified. If they need additional support, like help standing up or balancing while you adjust their clothing, provide steady assistance. Always communicate with them throughout the process, letting them know what you’re doing and ensuring they feel respected and cared for.

This final step helps complete the process smoothly, leaving the individual comfortable and ready for the next part of their day.

(Images provided with assistance of my model Thank you!)

Conclusion:

Changing depends can often feel like a daunting task, especially in a caregiving setting where time and comfort are paramount. By utilizing this simple yet effective technique, you can streamline the process, saving both time and effort while ensuring the dignity and comfort of the person you are caring for.

Remember, maintaining skin health is just as important as the act of changing depends. By following these steps and paying attention to skin care, you can help prevent complications and promote overall well-being. Caregiving is a journey that requires patience and creativity, and by sharing tips and tricks like this one, we can make that journey a little smoother for everyone involved.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Together, we can continue to support each other in providing the best care possible.

Questions:

• Was this post helpful?
• Do you think this trick will be useful for you in the future?
• What was the hardest part of executing this trick?

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