Learn How to Help Alleviate Diaper Need
According to an article in the New York Times, the rate of seniors filing for bankruptcy is three times higher than it was 30 years ago. Many older adults are struggling more and more to get their basic needs met. High health care costs, reduced incomes and declining or nonexistent pensions are a few of the reasons many of today's seniors cannot afford necessities, including heavy absorbency incontinence products such as adult diapers or underwear.
Incontinence supplies and medicare coverage is limited, but not impossible, according to Parentgiving. Despite the number of people who live with incontinence, traditional Medicare does not cover incontinence supplies like diapers and pads. However, depending on a person's financial circumstances and their insurance plans, the cost of incontinence essentials may be reimbursed and/or be considered a tax-deductible expense.
What can individuals do when they can't afford diapers, pull-ons and other necessary incontinence products?
Diaper Banks, Senior Centers & Personal Donations
The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is helping address the diaper need in America by distributing diapers and funding to a national network of community partners and community-based diaper banks. NorthShore is a proud supporter of NDBN and its mission to eliminate diaper need for all.
Local Senior Centers are also a good place to contact when looking for necessary medical supplies. They are often the recipients of unused, unopened incontinence products. According to AgingCare, people donate packages of adult diapers when they have excess, unopened supplies after a loved one they were caring for passes.
If you or someone you know has unopened medical supplies, including incontinence products such as diapers, pull-ons and pads, donate them to a local diaper bank, shelter, senior center or hospice organization. Ask family members and friends if they know someone who would benefit from these supplies.
Diapers are medically necessary products for those managing bladder and bowel incontinence. NorthShore's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals managing incontinence by providing life-changing products. Making sure individuals have the supplies they need is critical, which is why we will continue to partner with organizations across the U.S. to do all we can to make people who need diapers have them.