Trying to buy an armchair that withstands continence leaks

[TeresaTT]

My 26 year old son is doubly incontinent and lives in residential care. His pads often leak which soaks into his chair in his room. I'm trying to buy a chair that is fully waterproof including the seams and the base. However, most specialist companies I've spoken to won't supply to individuals, only to care homes, NHS etc. Does anyone know any companies that will supply to individuals?

[deborahcoxsuckle]

You need better nappies. I know the NHS ones are rubbish for leaks. I've been buying my son's out is PIP. I would recommend these ones for capacity and leak protection. He hates the deign though but they are worth he money.

nru.co.uk/tykables-waddler

[TeresaTT in reply to deborahcoxsuckle]

I know, that would be the best solution but he only has £30 a week left to spend as he's in residential care. However, I buy better continence pads that are much more absorbent for when he comes home but they often leak as well because he likes to 'explore'. It's not as much of a problem at home as we monitor him more closely but often have to change bed clothes. We've tried to get more absorbent pads from the NHS but they refused and only supply 4 a day. I might as well ask for the moon.

[TeresaTT in reply to deborahcoxsuckle]

I've had a quick look at those pads and they seem very expensive at about £20 for 10 pads. I buy Abena Slip Premium L2 from Amazon at around £19 for 22 pads. These are very absorbent and they do much more absorbent ones as well.

[TeresaTT]

The company said that they could invoice the care home and they could charge me. The care home have agreed to this so I'm waiting for a quote but I think the chair is going to be several hundred pounds.

[deborahcoxsuckle in reply to TeresaTT]

I think you should expect it to be much more costly then several hundred pounds, these companies that supple the NHS and care homes have an monopoly and their furniture isn't cheap as its very well made and and needs to be near indestructible plus hard wearing.

[TeresaTT in reply to deborahcoxsuckle]

Yes, I'm not looking forward to the quote. It's probably going to be too expensive. I'll have to consider other options.

[deborahcoxsuckle]

Also if you are not aware you can get booster pads for the nappies and they absorb much more, plus all in one t-shirt at Rackleys disabled clothing. These t-shirts are really good at preventing smearing. They help my son and made life a little easier for me.

disabled-clothing.co.uk

[TeresaTT in reply to deborahcoxsuckle]

Unfortunately it's not just about the absorbency. Like any young man, he likes to explore and the pad gets moved around so it leaks. He already wears an all in one when he's at home but he still manages to move the pad around despite it being quite substantial and a good fit. There are also best interests considerations at the care home in him wearing an all in one as it is restrictive which i can appreciate. I don't think clothing and pads are the answer here.

[5tacy]

Berwick sell chairs covered with wipeable material, they could be worth looking at.

[redsails]

Have you tried contacting your sons occupational therapist who should be able to provide him with a chair suited to his needs, you shouldn’t have to buy one yourself and I’m surprised the care home hasn’t contacted them on his behalf. . My son lives in supported accommodation and is also doubly incontinent. He uses a conveen sheath and bag along with a tena pad which greatly minimises leaks. If you want to buy a chair privately try a company called Symmetrikit. Our son uses one of their chairs and they sent out their own OT to make sure the chair met his needs but it suits his slight spine curvature as it can be manipulated to suit his posture. He also uses a kylie pad on the seat for extra chair protection. If you Google Symmetrikit you will find several different companies and various models of chairs , some with leak proof seams and most are also breathable to prevent sweating but do contact your sons OT before buying one yourself. Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[TeresaTT in reply to redsails]

That is useful to know but my son doesn't have an OT and by the time a referral has gone through and then a long waiting list, I think it will be easier to buy it myself. But I'll have a look at Symmetrikit, thanks.