Incontinence pads are an effective solution for anyone suffering with incontinence. Designed to catch any leaking whilst keeping you dry and odour free, they help give millions of people the comfort and confidence they need to enjoy their day-to-day life with minimal restriction.
In this article we’re going to discuss the availability of incontinence pads on prescription in the UK, and some options and guidelines for obtaining incontinence products for yourself or someone you care for.
Incontinence pads form an absorbent barrier, anatomically designed to fit the body and catch any leaks that can occur for sufferers of urinary or bowel incontinence. They are available in different sizes and absorption levels to cater for the specific needs of men and women with varying levels of incontinence. Many offer innovative solutions to keep you clean, dry and hygienic, whilst protecting your skin from infections.
Disposable pads offer an unobtrusive solution to incontinence, designed to be used with your normal underwear and available in different absorption levels. Many of them offer an odour control feature for added peace of mind.
Washable pads offer a more sustainable solution but with the same level of protection you can get from their disposable counterparts. They are reusable, better for the environment and can save you money in the long run though they do, of course, require washing after every use. The kind of pad you need is different from person to person. We recommend experimenting with a few different ones to find the best fit for you.
In some cases, incontinence products may be available on prescription via the NHS, depending on your local integrated care board (ICB). To qualify for NHS products, you may need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. Contact your GP in the first instance, for details of your local continence service.
You will need to be assessed by a specialist nurse before a doctor can provide you a prescription. While this can differ from area to area, the assessment may include:
If you’re eligible, then the specialist will inform you what products you are entitled to and help you or your carer find the right product to suit your needs.
If you are ineligible for prescription incontinence products, or if you’re waiting for an assessment to find out if you are, don’t worry there are still lots of options to get the products you need to get your incontinence under control. Many great products are available over the counter at a chemist or even in your local supermarket.
There are also specialist online stores, just like ours, that provide a huge range of different products all available from one place. These are especially helpful if you are less mobile because they can be supplied in bulk (which can really help to keep the costs down) and delivered straight to your door.
At Complete Care Shop we offer advice and support to help you get the right product for the job, via detailed descriptions, help and advice articles and dedicated support from our friendly, knowledgeable team available over the phone, on live chat or by email.
If you suffer from incontinence and want to know if you can get incontinence products on prescription, your first step is to speak to a medical professional to see what support is available and see if you are eligible. In the meantime, don’t worry; there are lots of things you can do to help your situation and lots of support mechanisms that you can take advantage of.
If you need help or advice on any of the products from that Complete Care Shop offers, you can contact our Expert Advice Service here or speak to one of the team using our Live Chat system. If you or someone you know is suffering from urinary or bowel incontinence, we’re here to help. Share this article with those who might need it or get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.
By signing up you consent to us using your email address in accordance with our privacy policy.