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Can you get adult nappies on prescription?
Many people wonder, "Can you get adult nappies on prescription?" The answer is: it depends. While not always automatically provided, there are ways to access incontinence products like adult nappies through the NHS. Let's explore how this works.
Who is eligible for adult nappies on prescription?
The NHS aims to provide support for those experiencing incontinence. To determine if you qualify for adult nappies on prescription, your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) will assess your needs. This usually involves an assessment by a healthcare professional, such as a continence nurse.
Factors influencing eligibility can include:
- Type and severity of incontinence: The frequency and severity of your incontinence will be considered.
- Impact on daily life: How incontinence affects your daily activities, mobility, and overall well-being is taken into account.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions may make you more eligible for NHS-provided incontinence products.
How can I get adult nappies on prescription?
Contact your GP
Your first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP. They can discuss your situation, provide advice, and refer you to your local continence service if needed.
Continence assessment
A continence advisor or nurse will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs. This may involve questions about your incontinence, your current management strategies, and the impact it has on your life.
Prescription and supply
If you're eligible, the healthcare professional will provide a prescription for suitable incontinence products. These can often be delivered to your home or collected from a designated pharmacy.
What types of incontinence products are available on prescription?
The specific products available on prescription can vary depending on your needs and your local ICB's formulary. Commonly prescribed items include:
- Absorbent pads and liners: These come in various sizes and absorbencies to manage light to moderate incontinence.
- All-in-one nappies: These are disposable adult nappies designed for heavier incontinence.
- Protective underwear: These resemble regular underwear but have built-in absorbency.
- Bed pads: Whether washable bed pads or disposable bed pads, these protect bedding and mattresses from leaks.
It’s important to note that while the NHS may provide a range of products, they may not always offer the specific brand or style you prefer.
Can you get adult nappies on the NHS for free?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and are assessed by a healthcare professional, the incontinence products prescribed could be provided free of charge by the NHS.
What if I don't qualify for adult nappies on prescription?
If you don't qualify for NHS-provided incontinence products, there are still options available:
Purchase products
You can easily buy incontinence products from pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers, like us. Online retailers like Incontinence Choice provide a wide selection and discreet delivery. Learn more about our top adult nappies in our blog.
You can easily buy incontinence products from pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers, like us. Online retailers like Incontinence Choice provide a wide selection and discreet delivery. Learn more about our top adult nappies in our blog.
Explore alternatives
Consider reusable options like washable incontinence pants. These look and feel like regular underwear but offer built-in absorbency. They can be washed and reused, saving money and reducing waste. Reusable pads and liners are also available for lighter incontinence. While there's an initial cost and washing is involved, many people find reusables worthwhile.
Consider reusable options like washable incontinence pants. These look and feel like regular underwear but offer built-in absorbency. They can be washed and reused, saving money and reducing waste. Reusable pads and liners are also available for lighter incontinence. While there's an initial cost and washing is involved, many people find reusables worthwhile.
Seek financial assistance
Managing incontinence can be expensive, but help may be available. Some local councils offer grants or schemes to help residents with incontinence costs, and charities also provide information, advice, and sometimes financial assistance.
Managing incontinence can be expensive, but help may be available. Some local councils offer grants or schemes to help residents with incontinence costs, and charities also provide information, advice, and sometimes financial assistance.
Find the right adult nappies for you
Looking for some adult nappies that work for you? Take a look at our adult nappies range, with plenty of different products from multiple top brands, all offering unique styles and maximum comfort.
We’ve also got a helpful blog providing guidance on how to correctly wear your adult nappies.
