Maybe I Should Wear Depends?
DEPENDS are incontinent underwear for women. They make them for men too but we’re talking about my Mother.
If not familiar with the product, you’ve seen the commercials. They show women of all shapes and sizes boasting about their paper underpants. The women are young, thin, slightly older, middle weight and of course all different ethnicities. What these women are not—is the typical consumer who “needs” DEPENDS. The women are shown dancing, enjoying an active lifestyle, and even getting ready for dates while insisting that they feel like they are wearing their own underwear. What the commercials never show is the elderly woman who hasn’t worn a real pair of panties—bikinis, thongs, or briefs (silk or cotton) in years!
Even before I came here to look out for my Mother, I ordered the DEPENDS online and had them delivered to her. You know, it was embarrassing for her to shop in that aisle of the Grocery store. And these products occupy an entire aisle of the store—such is the state of women’s affairs at this time in this country.
Anyway, now that I am here… Yes, now that I am here as her Caregiver, I continue to order the products online and have them delivered. And I take pride in the knowledge that I am good shopper and often purchase the product on sale. But back to my original question.
My Mother handles most of her personal hygiene care solo; as in without my assistance. It just takes a great deal of time in the bathroom, of which there is only one. And so, I often find myself waiting for her to come out in order for me to use the lady’s room. And since there is only one bathroom and the two of us—it qualifies as a ladies’ room.
We’re here in New England where Tea is a favorite drink. If it weren’t for Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee (I understand they make a great cup of coffee), the preferred hot drink would be Tea. What is never mentioned in the history books about the Boston Tea Party when the good people of the Colonies threw the Tea overboard while shouting, “No taxation without representation!” is that the actual scandal was, they loved Tea. And therefore, the symbolism of throwing it overboard was that they were sacrificing a valuable commodity to make a point. I’ve always loved a good cup of Tea but being here, I drink a great deal more.
And since I’ve been living in California for many years, I also drink a lot of water. Bottled water was a thing in Los Angeles before it became flavored and popular everywhere. And here in New England unlike LA, you can drink tap water. You can actually turn on the water, let it run for a second and drink a delicious glass of water. No more water delivery!
So, between the Tea and water, It suffices to say that I drink a lot of liquids. And let’s not forget the Wine!
Enough about the drink preferences from Coast to Coast. After consuming all of these beverages, it becomes necessary to use the “ladies’ room” many times throughout the day. And many of these many times, my Mother occupies the bathroom for long periods of time.
Now I do Kegel Exercises, which are also helpful in tightening the bladder muscles. I say also because that was not my original motivation for the exercises, but it seems to be an added benefit. That means I can “hold it” a little bit longer. However, a little bit longer does not always seem long enough when my Mother is in the bathroom!
And so, after focusing on other things, dancing in place, hopping around and trying to decide if I should go downstairs to use the public restroom in the lobby, I have begun to wonder….
Perhaps, as a Caregiver, I should wear DEPENDS
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