June 2021
Welcome
Welcome to ActivStyle Insights newsletter. Whether you are a nurse educator, social worker, case manager, rehab staff, physician or other care professional, this monthly newsletter is designed for you. At ActivStyle, we want to keep you up to date on current industry news, product information, FAQs, and much more. We know your job and life keeps you busy, so thanks for your attention and for your continued support of ActivStyle. If you like what you see in our newsletter, please feel free to share it with your colleagues.
Health News
Incontinence Q&As
There is no reason to suffer in silence from a sense of shame or embarrassment. Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects millions of Americans and it is highly treatable.
If you have a client who is experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence, it is best for them to seek help sooner rather than later, so that their physician can help them better understand the causes. Additionally, a physician can offer guidance about the best treatment options.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is also known as “loss of bladder control” or “urinary leakage.” Urinary incontinence is when urine leaks out before you can get to a bathroom. If you have urinary incontinence, you are not alone. Millions of women and men have this problem, especially as they get older.
What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?
Patients can present with a wide variety of symptoms, but some of the most common are:
- More frequent urination
- Stronger urge to urinate
- Painful urination
- Pressure-induced leaking (while coughing, for example)
- Waking from sleep to urinate, or leaking while sleeping
How does incontinence relate to age?
Incontinence should not be considered to be a normal condition of aging. Elderly patients should be evaluated in essentially the same way that patients of any age should be evaluated. Incontinence is certainly more common as patients age, but incontinence can be seen in children, adolescents, and adults.
Is an “Overactive Bladder” the same as urinary incontinence?
An “overactive bladder” (OAB) usually presents as an urgent, frequent need to urinate. It may or may not include urinary incontinence. Your doctor will likely take a detailed medical history and perform a pelvic exam to diagnose OAB, urinary incontinence, or a combination of both.
What are the main causes of urinary incontinence in men and women?
In men, prostate issues are probably the most common reason we see patients for urinary incontinence. In women, pregnancy and vaginal delivery is probably the most common cause of urinary incontinence.
Is incontinence a problem seen in diabetes?
Incontinence can certainly be seen in people with diabetes. Diabetics tend to have decreased bladder emptying and are somewhat prone to having overflow incontinence, but may also have stress or urge incontinence and therefore need a complete evaluation prior to treatment.
Can incontinence come and go?
Yes, incontinence can come and go depending on its cause. For instance, some patients will complain of stress incontinence only when they have a severe cold with coughing or during periods of excessive activity. Patients with urge incontinence frequently report increased leakage during cold weather and sometimes related to dietary factors such as excessive fluid intake, particularly with products containing caffeine such as coffee.
If you have questions about incontinence, the types of products used to address incontinence, or Medicaid eligibility, please call us at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. All of our representatives are trained on various incontinence products and eligibility questions and can help you with any question you may have.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get first order shipped?
A: Getting the first order shipped can take up to 10-14 days. In most cases, we need to secure a prescription from the client’s doctor. This involves faxing a prescription request to the doctor to complete, sign, and send back to us. As you can imagine, this takes some time. If you, or your client, are able to communicate to the doctor the urgency of responding to ActivStyle’s prescription request, this can help speed the process. Once we receive a valid prescription from the doctor, we will be able to process the order. If it has been less than 14 days since the request came in, we will ship right away. If it has been more than 7 days, we will need to contact the client to confirm they still need the product before we can ship.
Q: The doctor has returned a prescription. Why has my client not received their product?
A: Just because a doctor has returned a prescription does not mean we will automatically be able to ship. In some cases, the prescription is not valid. This may be because all the necessary information is not included on the doctor’s prescription based what is required by the payor. When we do not have all the required information, we will continue to work with the doctor to obtain a valid prescription so that your client will receive their supplies as quickly as possible.
We want to hear what FAQ topics you are interested in seeing! If you have questions or suggestions for future FAQs, please email us at .
Caregiver News
How Mobility Affects Incontinence
Several of the physical changes associated with aging can impair a person’s ability to move independently. Individuals with impaired mobility are at a greater risk for developing functional incontinence because they have trouble physically getting to the bathroom or using a bedside commode. Often, they experience leaks because they’re waiting too long for assistance. Fortunately, there are things professional and family caregivers can do to help them prevent falls and work towards improved bladder control.
Incontinence and Falls
Immobility can result from a sudden fall or accident, and this can lead to leakage. The good news is that if you can establish a good care plan with professional support, you can help improve mobility and quality of life.
Managing Mobility and Incontinence
What can you do to help someone with limited mobility? You can determine their level of leakage and toilet mobility. You can also stay aware of other issues which might be affecting their incontinence. With a proper plan, you can improve their mobility and prevent further decline.
Bathroom Diary
If you’re working with a person whose mobility is challenged, you can help to manage their leaks by keeping a Bathroom Diary for them. This can be used to record the schedule and frequency of their bathroom visits and the amount they discharge when they go. You can also record the level of leakage they’re experiencing, in order to understand what protective hygiene products are best for them. Assessing their situation will help greatly in managing and improving their situation.
Bladder Retraining Programs
Once you have a good understanding of your loved one’s bathroom needs and their level of activity, you can determine whether they’re a good candidate for a toileting program and trial. Toileting programs can be helpful for keeping track of their bathroom habits and determining the level of absorbency they need in their protective hygiene products.
How to Prevent Falls
Falls can be devastating and can lead to incontinence, so it’s important to minimize them. It also helps to educate your loved one about the risks, and to offer them support and praise when they work hard to improve their own situation.
Equipment
It’s important to determine whether you’re using the right equipment to help mobility for those in your care, and to make sure they’re using it when in need. Canes, walkers, and bathroom equipment are helpful in keeping people safe from falls. You want to be sure they’ve been properly trained to use it, too.
Exercise
An exercise program can start anywhere – from a bed, to a chair, to walking short distances. Start slowly and plan breaks to rest. The benefits of exercise for the elderly have been well studied; it has been shown to improve cardiovascular functioning and endurance, increase muscle strength, improve balance to prevent future falls, decrease joint pain, and even to improve mood.
Assistance
Give all necessary assistance to people with poor balance or inadequate muscle strength. It’s best to support them with your arm under theirs. Don’t let them hold you – in this position, it’s hard to prevent them from falling or ease them down to the ground. If you’re helping someone with decent mobility but poor vision, you can let them hold your elbow for guidance, not support. They’ll benefit from having as much freedom as possible.
Your Help Counts
When you assist in the care and bathroom training of a patient or loved one with mobility issues, you’ll be able to improve their physical condition, their leaks, and their quality of life. This in turn, will raise their self-esteem and sense of dignity. That’s a win-win.
If you have questions about incontinence and the best incontinence products to help your client manage incontinence, please call us at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. All of our representatives are trained on various incontinence products and can help you with any question you may have. And, remember, we can take your referral over the phone, or you may conveniently make referrals online.
Working with ActivStyle
Wouldn’t it be great if you spent less time mired in case-related paperwork and details and more time helping those who need you?
ActivStyle is a full-service provider of high-quality, high-value home medical supplies serving thousands of practitioners and case managers across the United States. Our product expertise and knowledge of constantly changing state and federal regulations allow us to give you — and the clients who depend on you — the level of service you need and deserve.
Founded in 1997 in Minneapolis, MN, ActivStyle has grown to over 200 employees compassionately serving patients in 47 states with their medical supply needs. Since July 2020, ActivStyle has been a part of the AdaptHealth family of companies. Specializing in incontinence, urological, and ostomy supplies, our trained Product Experts are available to discuss product options, insurance benefits, free delivery, or product samples. Feel free to call one of our Provider Services representatives toll-free at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. they’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take a referral over the phone. You may also conveniently make client or patient referrals online.
At ActivStyle, we’re dedicated to making your life easier.
