NRS Healthcare partners with Bladder and Bowel UK to tackle ‘incontinence poverty’
Independent living aids manufacturer NRS Healthcare has partnered with Bladder and Bowel UK over a new initiative which aims to address the issue of ‘incontinence poverty’ by distributing essential incontinence products free of charge to people in need.
The initiative is using networks of community pantries, ‘warm banks’, luncheon clubs and community centres to share information about the provision of free essential products.
Packs of incontinence products can also be requested over the phone (while stocks last) from NRS Complete Care Shop on 01772 675 048. The items will then be posted free of charge to the individual’s home.
As the cost of living crisis worsens, Bladder & Bowel UK have found that more and more people are unable to afford essential products to manage incontinence.
According to its figures, one in 10 adults in the UK are affected by faecal incontinence, and the issue is closely associated with advanced age, and it is estimated that 34 per cent of women are living with urinary incontinence.
The charity states that incontinence poverty is a growing issue where people can not afford to buy the products they need to manage the problem. Its research has found that this can lead to significantly lower quality of life for individuals and their families, as well as other physical and mental health problems.
Karen Irwin, Bladder & Bowel UK’s Service Manager and Specialist Nurse, commented: “It is all-too-common that people don’t have the products they need to stay hygienic and comfortable, and the rising living costs we have seen will only make this true for more people.
“We know that not having the right products can stop people leaving the house, seriously affect mental health, and also cause a massive strain on relationships.
“Having access to the correct products is essential to manage incontinence, an issue which affects so many people across the UK.”
Matthew Stead, Managing Director at NRS Healthcare added: “As the UK’s leading online living aids retailer we are delighted to partner with Bladder and Bowel UK to raise the issue of incontinence poverty in the UK.
“As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, some of the most vulnerable in society are hit the hardest. That’s why we and our suppliers have donated over £150,000 worth of products to this extremely important cause.
“We encourage anybody affected with incontinence who is unable to afford suitable products to get in touch with us.”
Recently, NRS Healthcare held an open day for prescribers from West Sussex to find out more about the work it does and take a tour around the depot and warehouses.
