Incontinence - the Emotional and Physical Challenges People Caring for Aging Loved Ones Aren't Talking About

Incontinence - the Emotional and Physical Challenges People Caring for Aging
Loved Ones Aren't Talking About
New Survey from Caring.com and SCA, the Makers of TENA(R), Reveals Adult
Incontinence Adds Stress, Can Lead to Depression

SAN MATEO, Calif. and PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Incontinence in a
parent, grandparent or spouse has a significant emotional impact on a
caregiver's life, according to a survey released today by Caring.com and SCA,
the makers of TENA® (www.tena.us). The survey reveals that while seventy
percent report incontinence as an ongoing issue with their loved ones,
caregivers are largely uncertain how to help make the situation better, or
even talk about it. In fact, one in three prefer to avoid the conversation
altogether.

The research from Caring.com, a leading online destination for people caring
for aging relatives, and TENA®, the worldwide leader in the management of
bladder protection, found incontinence to be a widespread issue among adults
caring for aging loved ones. More than 25 million adults are affected by
incontinence in the United States today, a number that is projected to
increase as the baby boomer population ages.

"Sixty-five percent of Caring.com members are dealing with incontinence in a
parent, grandparent or spouse. It's a sensitive subject for both the caregiver
and the person they're caring for, ranking among the most difficult
conversations people caring for aging parents are faced with, such as taking
away the car keys and discussing finances," said Andy Cohen, co-founder and
CEO, Caring.com. "Caring.com can help make discussions about adult
incontinence less stressful by knowing what not to say and providing
supportive alternatives on how to talk to your loved one."

Managing a Loved One's Incontinence Takes an Emotional Toll

There is unexpected stress associated with incontinence issues and often the
emotional aspect is just as hard as, or sometimes worse than, the physical
aspects of caring for a loved one. The study found that incontinence can have
a negative effect on a caregiver's emotional wellbeing and influence home care
and nursing home decisions:
-- 42% report dealing with their loved one's incontinence sometimes leads
to depression;
-- 32% find it emotionally difficult to change their loved one's
incontinence products;
-- 27% report incontinence has a negative impact on the relationship they
have with their loved one;
-- 31% are unable to go on vacation because of their loved one's
incontinence issues; and

-- 18% have considered moving, or have moved their parent to a care
facility or nursing home because of incontinence.

Caregivers Try to Manage the Symptoms, but for Most It's Not Working

People caring for aging relatives have tried a variety of techniques to try to
manage the physical aspects of their loved one's incontinence:
-- 33% have made changes to their loved ones schedule;
-- 24% have tried medications; and

-- 23% have made dietary changes.

Despite trying different approaches to manage incontinence, three-quarters of
survey respondents report their efforts aren't working, reporting an increase
in the amount of laundry they have to do each week, with an estimated extra
two to three loads.

Starting the Conversation

"We know that understanding and discussing incontinence can be the first step
to successfully managing it," said Spencer Deane, vice president of marketing
for SCA Personal Care in North America. "We applaud caregivers for trying
different approaches to manage the symptoms, but over the years we've seen the
best results when caregivers are able to talk openly about the condition and
recommend the right solutions to manage it. Today there is a variety of care
techniques and treatments, as well as absorbent and skin care products for all
types of incontinence, which can dramatically improve the quality of life."

Understanding how to discuss incontinence in a way that is supportive to both
the person being cared for and the role of the caregiver is important.

"Incontinence often can be frustrating and overwhelming for a person caring
for an aging parent or loved one, but there are steps caregivers can take to
meet this challenge," said Ann Cason, caregiving expert author and founder and
director of Circles of Care. "These include considering all available
treatment options, discussing incontinence in a straightforward and factual
way, and asking for physical or emotional support if you need it."

The Caring.com/TENA® Survey on Incontinence was conducted September 14 through
September 28 by Caring.com. More than 560 respondents completed the online
survey. Survey results and demographics are Survey results and demographics
can be found at www.Caring.com.

About Caring.com

Caring.com helps caregivers dealing with incontinence issues, by providing
information and resources including helpful advice on how to have the
conversation, including who should do the talking, when to have the
conversation, where to have it, what to say, and how to avoid emotional land
mines.

Caring.com is a community and content website that provides people who are
caring for aging parents with time-saving information to help them make better
decisions. Founded in 2007 by a team of people who have taken care of their
own aging parents, Caring.com is a free resource to users and is supported by
advertisers. Caring.com is backed by leading venture investors DCM and Split
Rock Partners. Caring.com is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and can
be reached at http://www.caring.com.

About TENA®

For the millions of men and women looking after loved ones with incontinence
or bladder control issues, SCA, the maker of TENA® , has created educational
and support resources to help, including an informational web site, Facebook
page and updates via Twitter @Caregiverscafe.

With more than 50 years of experience, TENA® is the worldwide leader in the
management of bladder control issues, providing products and services for
individuals and healthcare services throughout 105 countries. TENA provides a
full range of absorbent products tailored to the distinct needs of men and
women, including pantiliners, daytime and overnight pads, male guards,
protective underwear, briefs, skin care products, and underpads. TENA is at
the forefront of developing products that minimize the impact of incontinence
and improve the everyday lives of people living or working with bladder
weakness or incontinence. TENA products feature innovative technologies, such
as comfortable Dry Fast Core(TM) and advanced odor control, to ensure
protection, comfort and discretion for wearers. For more information, please
visit: www.tena.us.

Caring.com Media Contact
Danielle Simmons
DMS Public Relations for Caring.com
(650) 991-8899
danielle@dmsprsf.com

TENA(R) Media Contact
Kerry Butler
SCA Personal Care
610-546-4546
kerry.butler@sca.com

SOURCE SCA TENA

Caring.com Media Contact, Danielle Simmons, DMS Public Relations for
Caring.com, +1-650-991-8899, danielle@dmsprsf.com, TENA® Media Contact, Kerry
Butler, SCA Personal Care, +1-610-546-4546, kerry.butler@sca.com