Incontinence, or urinary leakage, affects an estimated 1.4 million Malaysians[1] with 1 in 3 women over age 40 and 1 in 10 men over age 65 having some form of the condition[2], but only 31% of them have sought medical advice[3] - this means many people suffer in silence, including aging parents who may be embarrassed or take great effort to conceal it from their children.
Recognising that many are reluctant to speak
openly about this, TENA’s “Apa Khabar Mak Abah?” Campaign,
supported by the Continence Foundation of Malaysia (CFM), aims to encourage children
to be more alert and attentive to their aging parents’ wellbeing. By providing educational
resources and support, they can be more aware and recognise signs that their
own parents may be suffering in silence.
“Incontinence can affect an individual’s mobility and quality
of life, which is worrisome for the people who love and care for them. What’s
more, their embarrassment or the fear of social stigma can make it difficult
for them to talk about it. At TENA, we recognise the need for greater awareness
and understanding so they feel more comfortable about seeking help, with the
support of their children,” said Evelyn Chan, Marketing Director, Vinda Group
Southeast Asia.
Mouse mommy also experienced urinary incontinence before due
to bad cough. I cannot do anything as in urinary incontinence beyond my
control. Once bad cough and the pressure will lead to urinary incontinence.
Explaining further, Dr Peter Ng, consultant
urologist and president of Continence Foundation Malaysia, said: “Many
people suffer needlessly even though incontinence is easily managed with the
right knowledge and support. While it’s difficult to change mindsets,
especially among the elderly, engaging with their family members is a good
place to start. We hope for children to educate themselves so they can be aware
if their parents are suffering silently. With the help of their loved ones, they can retain
their freedom to move around and enjoy their golden years without fear or
embarrassment.”
“As a caregiver, I definitely appreciate
having tools and resources available to help us understand urinary incontinence
better,” said Juriah binti Jalalus Shuti whose mother Aminah has been suffering
from the condition for the past four years. “This campaign encourages children
like me to really take notice,
because if my siblings and I did not notice the little tell-tale signs in 2014,
it probably would have taken longer for Mak to get to where she is today – free
to carry out her daily activities and even travel without worries, thanks to
TENA. Our parents took care of us when we were young, and I believe it is now
our turn to care for them in their golden years.”
An online Self-Checklist (link can be found at www.facebook.com/TENA.Malaysia), which highlights simple changes in their parents’ usual behaviour such as using the toilet too frequently or avoiding outings where toilet facilities are not easily available; these could indicate they are trying to cope with incontinence. Children are encouraged to take a look at the checklist for themselves, in order to be more aware and take note of these changes in their parents;
The Caring
101 Handbook (available at www.TENA.com.my), developed with input from a panel of medical experts, offers
a helpful look at the changes that come with age, together with practical
solutions on how best to care for aging parents;
Caring 101
Educational Videos (also available at www.TENA.com.my) for hands-on
tips and advice from medical professionals so children can increase their
knowledge and be empowered in their role as caregivers;
A toll-free
helpline 1-800-88-9988 or Facebook
chat option at www.facebook.com/TENA.Malaysia (available for assistance from 9AM to
5PM, Monday to Friday).
With this knowledge, family members are
empowered to help, be it starting a conversation, purchasing absorbent pants or
seeking medical advice, so that their loved ones can continue to do what they love
most, without worries about incontinence holding them back from living freely
and confidently.
For a limited time only, participants who complete the "Apa Khabar Mak Abah?” Self-Checklist
will get a TENA gift* that will help you on your journey in managing
incontinence. *While stocks last
For more information about the “Apa Khabar Mak Abah?” Campaign and educational resources,
Website : www.TENA.com.my
Facebook : www.facebook.com/TENA.Malaysia
[1] Based on Pop from
US Census Bureau IDB, Prevalence Calculation from VINDA Feb 2017 and
International Continence Society
[2] Survey of urinary incontinence in 1362 female outpatients in KL,
urinary incontinence occurs in 33% of those surveyed, P Ng and Carolyn Yim 1996
CFM survey internal file
[3] Byles &
Chiarelli, 2003; Help seeking for urinary incontinence: a survey of those
attending GP waiting rooms, Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal.
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