Rest home residents 'forced to share incontinence pads'

Elderly rest-home residents have complained they are being forced to share reused incontinence pads.

Age Concern Canterbury CEO Andrew Dickerson said rest home residents and their families have complained to him that they are only allowed two or three incontinence pads a day.

He says some are also being issued reusable, washable incontinence products that are shared between residents after laundering.

Mr Dickerson said the Canterbury District Health Board has been informed.

"We've raised the issue with a number of rest homes and the DHB, who have the responsibility for monitoring the standard of care in rest homes. So it will be interesting to see what develops in coming weeks," he said.

Mr Dickerson said it is paramount that people with the debilitating condition are allowed to maintain their dignity.

He said every person who suffers from incontinence should be individually assessed and given a personal plan.

Mr Dickerson said sufferers should also have access to the quantity and type of product that is appropriate to meet their individual needs.

- NEWSTALK ZB