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A prevalent condition that many people encounter as they age is incontinence. It becomes especially difficult to deal with, as some people might not have the ability to assist their carers in taking care of this problem. Nevertheless, they still need to follow through with all the procedures to prevent infections and rashes. This is where incontinence pads and briefs come in handy.
You may need to assist a loved one who is incontinent and has limited mobility in changing their incontinence pads or briefs. At first, changing incontinence briefs may seem daunting and awkward, but it becomes much simpler once you know how to do it. To help you with this challenging task, we prepared a simple instruction and tips on how to do it comfortably and safely for everyone.
Understanding Challenges in Continence Care
Changing for a person who finds continence care distressing can be challenging. Several reasons frequently contribute to this issue:
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Pain. Discomfort might be extensive or radiate from different areas, making it difficult to identify and diagnose.
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Fear and anxiety. These feelings can exacerbate resistance to care, particularly when patients do not completely comprehend the need for intervention.
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Cognitive impairment. Dementia-related behaviours like agitation, disorientation, or distress can exacerbate the situation.
Because of these factors, incontinence care must always prioritize safety and dignity. carers can alleviate distress and promote cooperation by employing tactics that foster trust, lessen discomfort, and respect the patient's requirements.
Preparing for Incontinence Brief Change
Being both compassionate and practical is crucial while providing care for a person who has incontinence. Such a condition can cause embarrassment as well as stress. Your acceptance and reassurance can help the person you support or a patient feel more at ease.
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Use language that preserves dignity
In UK care settings, terms like “incontinence pads”, “incontinence briefs”, or “continence products” are preferred over terms such as “adult diapers”, as they support dignity and reduce discomfort for the person receiving care. Using respectful, person-centred language helps create a calmer and more supportive environment.
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Privacy
Maintain a warm and private space to ensure both comfort and dignity are safeguarded. When changing incontinence briefs, ensure privacy for the person you support by keeping other people out of the room and closing the door or curtains.
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Supplies
Before changing an incontinence brief, assemble the following supplies: gloves, wipes, a new brief, barrier cream, a turn sheet, and a bin bag. Having everything within reach reduces disruptions, allowing the patient to feel safer and at ease. A barrier cream can assist in preventing skin breakdown, while a turn sheet promotes safe repositioning and reduces carer strain.
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Calm attitude
Maintain a quiet, comforting tone during the procedure, describing each step before touching the patient, even if they have dementia, as familiarity can help minimize anxiety and resistance. Use basic, plain language and allow the patient time to digest each activity.
These tiny, targeted efforts make the patient and carer's experience safer and more courteous, increasing cooperation and lowering the chance of damage or discomfort.
Managing Pain Before Changing an Incontinence Brief
Recognising and controlling discomfort is critical before changing an incontinence brief for aged care patients, particularly those with cognitive limitations.
Signs of pain:
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Facial expressions such as grimacing
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Vocalizations like moaning or saying "ouch"
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Stiff or rigid limbs
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Verbal complaints of discomfort
The PAINAD scale, which ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain), can assist patients with advanced dementia in evaluating pain based on observable behaviours.
Pain management techniques:
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For suitable pain relief, such as paracetamol or prescription medications, speak with a healthcare professional.
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To give the medication time to work, administer it 30 to 45 minutes before the care task.
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For older persons with mild-to-moderate pain, paracetamol should be used as the first line of continence care.
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During the quick change, place the patient in a comfortable position and proceed slowly and gently.
Carers can enhance patient comfort, promote collaboration, and offer a safer, more respectful care experience by proactively managing pain.
How to Change an Incontinence Brief in Bed Without Distress
Resistance to incontinence assistance and care is frequent and might originate from anxiety, fear of losing balance, or a loss of control. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people with dementia may become agitated or distressed due to confusion, discomfort, or changes in routine.
Besides dementia, several patient categories can be uncooperative during incontinence care:
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Painful conditions, such as arthritis, urinary tract infections, or post-surgical discomfort, often make movements distressing.
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Anxiety or fear, including fear of falling or exposure, can lead to resistance. - Cognitive impairments like delirium, traumatic brain injury, or developmental conditions may limit understanding.
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Mental health conditions, such as severe depression, psychosis, or agitation from bipolar disorder, can interfere with cooperation.
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Communication challenges, including aphasia, hearing loss, or language barriers, may cause misunderstandings.
Even children or adolescents with behavioural disorders, such as autism or ADHD, may resist care.
Strategies to Reduce Distress During Incontinence Brief Change
To increase cooperation and comfort, carers should follow simple rules:
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Speak calmly, use slow, gentle movements, and explain each step before proceeding.
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Remind dementia sufferers to repeat familiar phrases and offer regular reassurance.
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Avoid sudden movements.
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Create a calm environment with soft lighting and minimal background noise, as this can help reduce responsive behaviours.
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If agitation becomes severe, consult a GP or clinical team for advice on appropriate management. Any medications should only be used under direct medical supervision.
By combining these strategies, carers can improve cooperation, safety, and dignity during incontinence care.
Remember that each case requires patience, reassurance, and tailored strategies to ensure safety and dignity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Disposable Incontinence Briefs
Incontinence briefs should be changed as soon as they become moist or soiled. When this occurs, inform the person in your care that you will assist them in changing their briefs. Then follow through with the pad changing procedure for a bed-bound patient. Here’s a full instruction that will help you do it easily.
Step 1: Prepare and Protect
Wash your hands thoroughly. Put on disposable gloves. Gather supplies:
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clean briefs;
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wipes;
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barrier cream;
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a turn sheet;
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a new incontinence pad;
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a bin bag or a continence disposal bin.
Step 2: Position the Patient
While the patient is lying on their back, undo the tabs of the soiled brief. Gently roll the patient onto one side using a turn sheet, guiding at the hips. Slightly bend their legs at the knee to maintain balance.
Step 3: Remove the Soiled Brief
Grasp the top of the brief, roll it inward, and tuck any mess inside as you pull it away from the body. Roll up the soiled brief and dispose of it in the bin bag or diaper pail.
Step 4: Clean the Front Area
Use wet wipes to gently clean the perineal area from front to back to prevent infection. Be sure to clean all skin folds. Gently pat the skin dry.
Step 5: Clean the Back Area
Roll the patient onto the other side. Clean and dry the buttocks and the surrounding area. Allow skin to air dry for a few moments before proceeding.
Step 6: Protect the Skin
Change into fresh gloves if needed. Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect against irritation and incontinence-associated dermatitis. Note any rashes, redness, or broken skin, and report these to a nurse or GP.
Step 7: Prepare the Bed and Brief
While the patient is on their side, straighten blankets and place a clean incontinence pad under them if required. Slide a clean brief under the patient's hips, making sure it is smooth and properly positioned.
Step 8: Apply the New Brief
Roll the patient gently back onto their back. Pull the clean brief between the legs. Fasten the tabs securely:
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Top tabs should face downward.
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Bottom tabs should face upward.
Adjust the brief so it fits snugly but comfortably without pinching the skin.
Step 9: Finish Up
Reposition and cover the patient with linens. Remove and dispose of gloves properly. Wash your hands thoroughly.
Important: When changing incontinence briefs, don’t forget that it's critical to keep safe not only the person you’re helping to change but also yourself. Always wear gloves, change them during the process if needed, and wash your hands afterward.
Incontinence Brief Change Aftercare
Skin protection and infection prevention are the key points of a thorough aftercare procedure that follows the incontinence pad change. While we’ve already touched on some points of this procedure in the step-by-step guide, let’s look more into its peculiarities and importance. So, here are some more detailed instructions on post-incontinence brief change care.
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Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after care to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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Patient Safety and Comfort
Check for the resident's comfort and ask if anything else is needed. Ensure the bed is in the lowest position and the brakes are locked. Place the call bell or signaling device within reach. Restore the patient’s privacy and comfort once the procedure is complete.
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Skin Inspection and Protection
Inspect the skin for any redness, rash, or open sores. Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide or dimethicone barrier cream to protect against moisture damage. Replace soiled briefs promptly to lower the risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis, which can develop quickly if the skin stays wet.
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Documentation and Reporting
Some health conditions might require documenting the output from the soiled brief. Report any skin issues or changes to the nurse or GP.
QuickChange Wrap as a Top Alternative to Incontinence Briefs
Some carers may use products designed to reduce movement during continence care. One such option is the QuickChange Wrap, which allows a soiled brief to be replaced with minimal repositioning. This may be helpful in situations where a patient finds turning or lifting uncomfortable or distressing. The wrap is applied with a simple sequence of steps and is designed to be used while the person remains lying on their back.
Because the process involves limited handling, it may help reduce discomfort for some individuals and lessen physical effort for carers. For people living with dementia or cognitive impairment, a shorter and less disruptive change can sometimes help reduce confusion or agitation.
Overall, the QuickChange Wrap is one of several continence care products available to support safe and dignified brief changes. Its suitability depends on individual needs, comfort, and the care setting, and it may be used alongside other continence strategies as appropriate.
Conclusion
Changing an incontinence brief for patients who may resist care can be challenging, but it becomes more manageable with preparation, empathy, and the right tools. Addressing pain, anxiety, and fear before beginning helps improve cooperation. Gentle handling and respectful communication preserve dignity, while safe techniques protect both patient and carer. Consistent aftercare ensures skin health and supports comfort, safety, and quality of life.
For patients in the United Kingdom who require continence support or have limited mobility, it is important to have practical products that make hygiene routines easier to manage. Solutions such as the QuickChange Wrap can help simplify brief changes by reducing movement and handling, which may be beneficial for individuals who experience discomfort or distress during repositioning. By minimising disruption and supporting a gentler care process, these products can help maintain comfort and dignity as part of everyday continence care.
FAQ
How often to change incontinence briefs?
Change a person's incontinence briefs four to six times per day. It is recommended that people with moderate incontinence change their diapers every two to four hours. Those with slight bladder control issues may just require a fresh diaper every four to six hours. Generally speaking, you should check the incontinence brief at least once every two hours to see if it’s dirty. For comfort and skin protection, it is crucial to replace it as soon as it gets dirty.
How quickly should you be able to change an incontinence pads?
The time needed to complete a change varies based on the patient’s mobility, comfort, and level of assistance required. What matters most is completing the change safely, gently, and with respect for the patient’s dignity. Products like QuickChange may help speed up the process and reduce physical effort in some care situations.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
