Support
Nurse On-Call
Marlene M. Pikus RN BA is Health & Home Solutions Nurse On-Call. Her extensive qualifications include:
Fairview General Hospital School of Nursing, Diploma Program
Published in the Journal of Psychological Reports
Urgent
Long-term care experience at
After many years of bedside nursing and long-term care nurse-manager positions, home-care and patient advocacy are now Marlene's focus. She is part of a team focused on providing the right product, the right fit and on-time delivery. As the nurse on-call, Marlene is available to answer questions about incontinence care issues and needs. If you need to discuss your unique situation with our Nurse On-Call -- you may contact her by email or, leave a message at 888-689-5488 ext. 203. Marlene will return your call as soon as possible!
Bladder Health Info
Incontinence, or the loss of bladder or bowel control, is believed to affect up to 25 million Americans* each year. Over 85% of those who are incontinent are women; however, it is estimated that 15% of men over 65** also experience bladder leakage. Incontinence can affect the young and old, male and female; but with proper education and treatment, incontinence should not interfere with enjoying an active lifestyle.
Incontinence can be the result of injury, neurological diseases, prostate surgery, obesity, or degenerative changes associated with aging, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Types of Incontinence
Stress Incontinence is the loss of small amounts of urine during physical effort such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or walking. Stress Incontinence is the result of poor pelvic floor muscle tone and childbirth is a common cause. It is estimated that one in four women over 18 will experience Stress Incontinence -- making this the most prevalent form of urinary incontinence. The suggested products for Stress Incontinence would be Bladder control Pads or Male Guards.
Urge Incontinence is the result of an overactive bladder that empties unexpectedly. Those with Urge Incontinence may feel the need to urinate, but often cannot make it to the restroom in time. Spinal injuries, stroke, bladder infections, low levels of estrogen are all common causes of Urge Incontinence. The suggested products for Urge Incontinence would also be Bladder Control Pads or Male Guards.
Mixed Incontinence is the combination of Stress and Urge Incontinence and is most common in older women. The suggested products would again be Bladder Control Pads or Male Guards.
Transient Incontinence is temporary or occasional incontinence caused by some medications such as sedatives, hypnotics, diuretics or anticholinergic agents. The suggested products would be determined by the specific volume of urinary incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence is simply when the bladder becomes too full and urine overflows. An enlarged prostate is a common cause and therefore is more prominent in men. Other causes of Overflow Incontinence include diabetes, alcohol usage, and spinal cord injuries. The suggested product would be Protective Underwear, Briefs or Pantliners.
Functional (or Environmental) Incontinence occurs when there are mental or physical barriers impeding a person from regular toileting. For example, arthritis may make it difficult to manage buttons, even though the bladder itself may be functioning properly. The suggested products would be Protective Underwear or Briefs with or without a Booster Pad.
Treatments & Managing Incontinence
Today there are many treatment options and management solutions to ensure those with incontinence can continue to live an active lifestyle. Treatment options may include Behavioral Therapy, Diet Modification, Pharmaceutical, or Surgery. Your family doctor can best prescribe the treatments suited to your specific needs.
*healthandage.com
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Medicaid
Health & Home Solutions currently can supply incontinence products to traditional Medicaid clients in
Incontinence garments and their related supplies, including disposable underpads, are covered by the Medicaid program under the following conditions:
- The Medicaid consumer is more than 36 months of age.
- The consumer is not a resident of a skilled nursing facility or immediate-care facility for the mentally retarded Coverage of incontinence garments and related supplies is provided as part of the per diem payment to these facilities.
- The type of incontinence is:
- Secondary to disease which results in irreversible loss of control of the urinary bladder and/or anal sphincter; or
- Secondary to injury of the brain or the spinal cord which results in irreversible loss of control of the urinary bladder and/or the anal sphincter; or
- Attributed to developmental delay or developmental disability.
To start receiving your supplies through Medicaid, we first must obtain a Certificate of Medical Necessity from your Primary Care Physician. This must state that you suffer from permanent urinary incontinence. we then will need an Authorization of Benefits form signed by you. this form gives us permission to bill Medicaid for your supplies. Our experienced staff is more than happy to help with obtaining all the necessary information for you.
For questions regarding this process, email or call our Medicaid Customer Service Representative at 888-689-5488 ext. 201.