Travelling with incontinence: How to care for your loved one

Holidays are meant for relaxation, stress relief and spending time with family – travelling with a loved one who suffers from incontinence shouldn’t stop either of you from enjoying yourselves. All it takes is some extra preparation so that both of you are comfortable and stress free.

Having the right products is key to making sure your loved one is physically and emotionally comfortable. Preventing leaks should mean your loved one can feel more confident when en-route to your destination.

We have some practical tips on how to help your loved one stay dry when travelling to make sure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible.

In the air

Air travel may seem daunting when dealing with an overactive bladder, but we have a few tips to make it easier for you:

Book a seat near the front or back of the plane: Most airlines allow you to book your own seats. Try to book your seat close to the front or back of the plane, where the toilets are located. This way, if they feel an urge they can simply get up and go as fast as possible.
Reduce alcohol and coffee intake before and during air travel: If you have a short haul flight, it might be better to just reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeinated drinks your loved one takes in as dehydration can irritate the bladder, but for longer flights, speak to a doctor for more advice beforehand.
Get ahead of the crowds: Avoid stressful queues and rushing by arriving early at the airport. This way, your loved one will have time to locate and use the toilet in peace before the flight.
Go before you fly: Be sure that your loved one pays a visit to the toilet before the flight. They will be more comfortable once on board.
Keep them comfy: A neck pillow and a light blanket can go a long way. Making sure your loved one is sitting comfortably during the flight can help them feel more relaxed and even have a little snooze. Some airlines will provide blankets and pillows on request. If you ask in advance you may be able to save valuable carry-on space by using these.

On the road

Plan your route: If you’re hitting the road, make sure to plan scheduled stops at service stations. Apps like Google Maps, Toilet Finder and Flush can show you where the available toilets are along motorways and major roads, so you can put your mind at ease in advance.
Protective wear: When planning a long car trip, it might be worth suggesting to your loved one to try using our product selector or request a free sample to test out some of our heavier protection ranges in the comfort of their own home, to find what works best for them before a trip. You can also add a protective sheet over the seat to help them feel more at ease.

Pack accordingly

No matter your means of transportation, pack a separate bag with extra supplies such as incontinence products, wipes and some spare clothes (especially if you think such products may be difficult to get hold of where you’re going). Take some plastic bags for any soiled clothing or used products.

And if you’re looking for information on being a caregiver for your loved one when at home, check out our how-to guides.