Incontinence information leaflet

What is an incontinence product or pad?

Incontinence products are designed to contain urine (wee) and/or faeces (poo) for people who are not able to get to the toilet either some or all the time.

There are many different products and devices available to help manage your symptoms including absorbent pads, which are available as two-piece, wraparound, belted and pull up pants.  Please note, not all options will be available on the NHS.

Different sizes, shapes and makes of product are available. These products may also be referred to as containment products.

Can I get incontinence products or pads on the NHS?

Some, but not all patients will be eligible for incontinence products on the NHS.

Patients experiencing mild incontinence will not be eligible for incontinence products on the NHS.

Patients with moderate to severe incontinence will be eligible.

This is dependent on having completed any treatment plans for your bladder and bowel dysfunction and the severity of incontinence you continue to experience.

The continence nurses will assess this on completion of your treatment on an individual basis.

Incontinence products or pads cannot be prescribed by the Continence Team without an assessment being carried out by a nurse first. 

What products or pads can help me manage my incontinence?

There are many different products and devices available to help manage your symptoms including incontinence pads, which are available as two-piece, wraparound, belted and pull up pants.  Please note, not all options will be available on the NHS.

If you require an incontinence product while you wait for an assessment you will need to purchase these yourself. This can be quite daunting. You can use the guidance below to help guide you.

• Products to help with urinary incontinence - NHS:    www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/incontinence-products/- straightforward, general information about incontinence products
• Continence Product Advisor: www.continenceproductadvisor.org/ - independent and evidence-based advice on how to choose and use suitable products specific for your needs. Products to help manage incontinence are available to buy in chemist shops, supermarkets and on-line
• Age UK: www.ageukincontinence.co.uk/incontinence-shop.html -support and helpful information on managing incontinence.
• Bowel and Bladder UK: https://www.bbuk.org.uk/ - They offer a continence helpline to provide advice on bladder and bowel health, managing incontinence, products and signposting to additional services. Alternatively, they can be contacted by telephone via the national helpline 0161 214 4591

Not all products suggested on these websites will be available on the NHS. This is a guide only to help with self-management whilst awaiting assessment.

The NHS will provide incontinence products/pads that meet your clinical needs once eligibility is confirmed.

Local continence services operate with a cost effective, evidence-based product list. This may not include products you have purchased yourself and your individual product prescription may not replicate your pre prescription regime.

What if I'm concerned about how I can afford these products?

Please contact your local citizens advice bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/). They provide a network of independent charities offering confidential free advice online, over the phone, and in person: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

There's a different way for claiming attendance allowance if you're nearing the end of life - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/claiming-end-of-life).  For example, because you have a life-limiting illness.

Attendance allowance: What you'll get - GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/what-youll-get. The allowance is paid at two different rates. How much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.

You could get money each week to help with personal support if both of the following apply:

• You have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
• You're at state pension age or older. Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/state-pension-age.

It does not cover mobility needs.

You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance.

You do not have to have someone caring for you to claim.

Further details can be found on Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.

Carer's Allowance

If you do have a carer, they could get Carer's Allowance - GOV.UK www.gov.uk/carers-allowance) if you have substantial caring needs.

How do I access products if I live in a residential or nursing home?

If you are living in a residential care home or nursing home, please speak to either the Registered Home Manager or the Clinical Lead who may be able to advise regarding the supply of suitable incontinence products while you await an assessment. 

The home may be able to assist in the following ways:

• Assess your needs
• Order and supply appropriate products to meet these needs as an interim measure until the continence team can complete their own assessment. It is likely that the products will be charged to you by the home
• Advise you and your family on the appropriate products to purchase. These items  are available from pharmacies, high street shops and supermarkets.

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:  fchc.enquiries@nhs.net   Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Consort House, 5-7 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1YB.

For office use only: PFD_LTC043 Incontinence Products for Adults v1 Publication January 2025