5 Creative Ways to Manage Patient Incontinence

Patients and consumers with incontinence create a special kind of demand on staff and direct service providers.

Not only is there risk to the health of patient, but cleaning both the patient, furniture and flooring takes the time and effort of staff trying to manage broad responsibilities, incontinence. Furniture can often be ruined by bodily fluids that are either not cleaned entirely or due to soaking into hard-to-clean places like the foam and frame.

With the growing demands for WELL-DESIGNED FURNITURE to help care givers manage limited mobility and incontinence, consider these 5 little-known facts that might make life easier for anyone dealing with incontinence:

• POP-OUT SEATS are by far the most innovative solution for fluid issues. With this design, the entire seat of an upholstered sofa, loveseat or chair “pops” out leaving just an open frame to allow easy mopping and cleaning of fluids. Urine, or any fluid, flows through to the floor and eliminates pooling on upholstery or into wood frames.
• SELF-DECKING is a technique that uses a length of fluid-proof fabric under upholstered sofa, loveseat or chair cushions that “catches” fluids to prevent them from hitting the floor or soaking into foam and furniture frames. This is typically an inexpensive way to significantly reduce damage caused by urine and fluids.
• VINYL FABRICS are a fluid-proof upholstery option that is low cost and highly durable. The best news is that vinyl is no longer the sticky, hot plastic-like fabric it was mid-century. Soft and stylish options make it a stand-out choice for incontinence or any furniture in areas that might take a few spills.

Get The Upholstered Seating Catalog
Many FABRIC TREATMENTS are now readily available on an endless variety of upholstery fabrics. Some treatments, like Crypton, penetrate the entire weave of the fabric, making the entire knit fluid-resistant. This penetration of the treatment makes it far superior to surface treatments that might wear off after repeated cleaning of soiled areas.

• As an added safe-guard for any upholstery option, fluid-proof liners can be added to almost any contract upholstered furniture. These liners add extra protection for foam that can still be vulnerable to urine and fluids that seep in through fabric, zippers, welting and seams.

The excess demands of occasional or chronic incontinence on caregivers can be stressful, and the added expense of labor to clean fluids adds up. In addition, furniture is at high risk for ruin due to urine or fluids penetrating fabrics, foam and frame components. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS are available but not widely known.

Consult a trusted Contract Furniture provider for the right advice for your patients, staff and budget.

Inquiry Now