Incontinence supplies are a major expense for nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other care facilities. Cutting costs by buying the cheapest products often backfires—more leaks, more laundry, more staff time. This guide focuses on practical, evidence-based ways to reduce incontinence supply costs while maintaining or improving resident outcomes
Where Incontinence Costs Really Come From
The true cost of incontinence management is more than just the invoice for products. It includes: Product costs: Briefs, pull-ups, pads, underpads, and wipes. Staff time: Changing, cleaning, and documentation. Laundry and linens: Extra loads from leaks or over-changing. Skin breakdown treatment: Creams, dressings, and extra care for rashes or wounds. Hospitalizations: Severe skin breakdown or infections can lead to costly admissions. Smart cost reduction looks at the entire system, not just the lowest unit price.
Standardizing Products to Reduce Complexity and Waste
A streamlined formulary—using a small, standard set of products—makes a big difference. Standardization: Reduces confusion and errors during changes -Simplifies training for new staff -Prevents overstocking and waste from unused products -Makes ordering and inventory management faster and more accurate The result is less waste, fewer mistakes, and better control over supply costs
Matching Products to Resident Needs
Using the right product for each resident group prevents both over-protection (waste) and under-protection (leaks, extra work). For example: Briefs: Best for bedbound residents or those needing frequent changes Pull-ups: Ideal for ambulatory residents who can toilet themselves Pads/liners: For light incontinence or as a backup Underpads: Protect beds and chairs, reducing laundry Matching products to needs means you buy only what’s necessary and minimize waste.
Training Staff on Fit, Changes, and Documentation
Training staff on correct sizing, fit, and when to change products can significantly cut waste. Simple checklists and quick in-service sessions keep CNAs and nurses aligned.
Well-trained staff: Use the right size (reducing leaks) -Change at the right time (not too often or too late) -Document accurately, supporting better supply planning
Optimizing Change Schedules
Rigid, one-size-fits-all change schedules often lead to unnecessary changes and wasted products. Evidence-based routines, tailored to resident needs, protect skin and reduce costs. For example: -High-absorbency products may allow longer intervals between changes -Tracking wetness indicators helps avoid premature changes -Adjust schedules for residents with special needs or skin risks
Monitoring Usage and Variance by Unit
Track basic metrics by unit: Products used per resident per day -Incident reports (leaks, skin issues) -Laundry volume Identifying outliers—units with unusually high or low usage—can reveal training gaps or product mismatches. Addressing these keeps costs and care on track.
Leveraging Bulk Purchasing and Subscriptions
Bulk orders and scheduled subscriptions reduce rush
orders, shipping costs, and stockouts. Set different mix and
usage. This approach locks in better pricing, flattens monthly
spend on hand.
Partnering with Adult Care Dept for Ongoing Optimization.
Adult Care Dept is more than a supplier—we're a long-term partner. Use offer low, recommend price, product, help fine- tune and subscription plans. Our goal: keep your costs low while supporting excellent resident care, year after year.