Social work and Incontinence

[Iken]

As an MSW student dealing with incontinence myself, I often wear diapers every day. It shapes how I see the world, especially in social work. Incontinence means losing control over bladder or bowel functions, which hits millions of people. For adults, it can stem from health issues like diabetes, surgery, or aging. I wonder how social workers step in to support folks like us.

Social workers build trust first. They listen to personal stories without judgment. Take someone elderly in a nursing home; a worker might spot signs of isolation from embarrassment. They connect clients to doctors for underlying causes. Or, for a young parent post-childbirth, they link to support groups where people share tips on managing leaks.

Inclusion matters a lot. Social workers push for community events that welcome everyone. They advocate for accessible restrooms in public spots, like malls or offices. Imagine a job fair where changing stations are hidden away—workers can fight for open, private areas instead. This helps folks join in without fear.

Access to diapers is key too. Costs add up quick; a pack runs $20 to $50 monthly. Social workers guide clients to programs like Medicaid coverage or food banks that stock supplies. They might help apply for grants from groups like the National Association for Continence. Safe, clean change spots prevent infections. In schools or workplaces, workers team up with admins to install them. For me, as a student, knowing a counselor could push for dorm facilities eases my mind. Overall, these steps make life less lonely and more doable.

[Slomo]

As a disabled veteran, the VA has tried really hard to be our social workers too. They're overwhelmed and under funded for it, but they've been doing a lot better in the last 5-10 years.

Now of only we can get them to provide half-decent diapers too.

[Valentinesstuff]

25 minutes ago, Slomo said:

Now of only we can get them to provide half-decent diapers too.

Still trying. I have a case of Large Tranquility cloth backed due tomorrow. The gentleman helping me is supposed to send me a list of products they have available. 

[Slomo]

On 11/4/2025 at 7:28 PM, Valentinesstuff said:

Still trying. I have a case of Large Tranquility cloth backed due tomorrow. The gentleman helping me is supposed to send me a list of products they have available. 

I'm still trying too. I saw a urologist at the VA, and he was surprisingly on board with getting me the diapers I really need. Unfortunately their system is less than user friendly, and doesn't allow for non-formulary prescriptions of diapers. Nor does it allow for a pharmacy consult for me to get them either. 

I just heard back from the doctor too. The pharmacy has pushed back and is insisting I try a couple more of their crappy diapers. Depends "maximum" and some no-brand I've never heard of. But worse still they also want me to try a "belted diaper" and poise pads. And no, apparently that last one isn't supposed to be a joke. But it is a joke on me, an insult too.

 

Still, once I can confirm their cheapness and rule them out, I'm hopefully I can then get something better. Time will tell.

[Valentinesstuff]

The list I got included two from Attends, the Tranquility I am getting and a fourth that is allegedly worse than the other three.

 

I have been trying to find all the plastic backed medical diapers available and unfortunately have a rather short list.

NorthShore has three, MegaMax, MegaMax Lite, and Supreme. Tranquility has two SlimLine and ATN. Abena L4, BetterDry, InControl BeDry, Mega Inspire+, Wellness, Forsite and Bambino also make all white diapers that could be called medical. Everything else seems to be clothbacked, or pullups. 

[Slomo]

Ah. You mean all white, not really medical grade. Nappies R Us has a STR8UP diaper. It's close to the same as Forsite and Bambino.  UT for real premium it will be hard to beat Betterdry or Megamax.

I'd recommend scratching off Wellness and Abena. They're mid-grade at best, but Seni Quatro would also be mid-grade all white. And definetely scratch off Tranquality. There truly medical grade and not worth using. 

[Slomo]

Remember. "Medical" diapers are what you can expect to get in a medical setting, or through insurance. They are going to be the cheapest crap around. Though they're not always all-white. Some have blue, green, or purple on them.

[Valentinesstuff]

53 minutes ago, Slomo said:

Remember. "Medical" diapers are what you can expect to get in a medical setting, or through insurance. They are going to be the cheapest crap around. Though they're not always all-white. Some have blue, green, or purple on them.

Not necessarily true. NorthShore Supreme are considered medical diapers. Bambino used to, I don't know if they still do, sell a diaper identical to the Bambino under a different name through a completely separate website. They also sold "Institutional" diapers, which is what you are labeling as "medical grade." 

 

Medical diapers are simply those that are being marketed to the general public, as opposed to the ABDL market. Some may be of interest to the ABDL market, but that isn't the primary market. NorthShore, last year was advertising during Chicago professional sports radio broadcast. Those ads weren't targeting the ABDL market. 

1 hour ago, Slomo said:

I'd recommend scratching off Wellness and Abena. They're mid-grade at best, but Seni Quatro would also be mid-grade all white. And definetely scratch off Tranquality. There truly medical grade and not worth using. 

Please remember that I am looking for something for bowel incontinence, so I don't need the absorbency level of MegaMax, or BetterDry, or any of the other ridiculous diapers. 

[Slomo]

On 11/29/2025 at 10:06 PM, Valentinesstuff said:

Not necessarily true. NorthShore Supreme are considered medical diapers. Bambino used to, I don't know if they still do, sell a diaper identical to the Bambino under a different name through a completely separate website. They also sold "Institutional" diapers, which is what you are labeling as "medical grade." 

 

Medical diapers are simply those that are being marketed to the general public, as opposed to the ABDL market. Some may be of interest to the ABDL market, but that isn't the primary market. NorthShore, last year was advertising during Chicago professional sports radio broadcast. Those ads weren't targeting the ABDL market. 

Please remember that I am looking for something for bowel incontinence, so I don't need the absorbency level of MegaMax, or BetterDry, or any of the other ridiculous diapers. 

LOL. Northshore wasn't targeting their ads to medical facilities either. Those ads were directed at consumers.

And I get you don't need absorbency. You need tall leak guards and elastic leg and waist bands. You aren't going to find any of that in a medical grade diaper though. At the very least you need a standard/consumer grade diaper.

You "might" be able to get away with Abena Xplus or Northshore Supreme. Betterdry is better though. It's probably the thinnest diaper I know of that still has what you need for bowel incontinence.

I understand all of those are out of the question for you though, since they are leagues ahead of medical diapers. Unfortunately, what you're asking for doesn't exist for what you are needing.