Mom has been having daily incontinence problems and her shoes are dwindling (I can’t wash all of them). I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for comfortable, relatively inexpensive, perhaps water-proof shoes? She is still concerned about her looks, a stylish dresser, so I’m trying to find ones that are somewhat attractive.
My dad hated wearing them, and he was heavy enough that he didn't see the issues, unless a mirrorwas present. I couldn't believe he was more okay with having an obvious accident instead of wearing incontinence briefs that you couldn't even tell he had on. It has to be a thought process from that age group.
Best of luck. These situations are usually layered solutions.
My mother lived in Memory Care Assisted Living for just under 3 years, was fully incontinent the whole time, and never once did I have to deal with soaked footwear. Neither should you.
1. Sit with Mom and a Dr and explain that the incontinence is an issue, not to be ashamed of, and is able to be handled.
2. Allow Mom to help with the purchase of her undergarments. Most are invisible under clothing. Assure her of that, and remind her that people can smell urine if there is not protection.
3. Buy her shoes from some of the previously mentioned recommendations.
4. Bless you for loving Mom and caring for her feelings!
item#: 36-49266-0843. Neoprene water-resistant upper between $39.99 to $79
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
I have purchased a pair for my mother. I have washed them as well.
It is well past time for Depends over Poise pads or regular underwear, and if that doesn't do the trick, then it's time for adult diapers. Frequent regular trips to the bathroom are also a must.
https://www.silverts.com/ca/all-adaptive/pants/alzheimer-s-jumpsuits?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_network=x&utm_placement=&utm_term=&utm_productid=
They can be more costly (up front) than the disposable kind, but it may even out if you do the math. But they are a good option for someone who is looking for discreet incontinence solutions, who doesn't want to wear the more "pull up" like options. They do lose their effectiveness over time of course, and have to be replaced.
There is also the option of incontinence pads in her regular underwear, as well as the more discreet types of disposable incontinence underwear. And then of course the kind most people think of when they think of Depends.
I suppose it really depends on what you mean by incontinence though. And you would have to look for the right kind of incontinence underwear for her needs. Some of them are made for very light "oops" kind of leaks. Others are made for heavier absorbency for heavy incontinence.
If she is ruining/wetting shoes AND already wearing incontinence underwear - I would wonder if she is wearing the right level of absorbency for her needs - or changing that level often enough. I would start with adjusting there first, and then try to deal with shoes if all else fails.
So kmac2017, instead of worrying what kind of washable shoes you should get your mom, focus on the REAL problem of making sure she's wearing the correct type of incontinence underwear, because if she was, this issue wouldn't be happening.
They’re not “disposable cheap”, but have enough support in the way they’re built, and last for a while.
As mentioned previously, it’s probably time to consider protective garments, good for clothing and morale.