How do I approach the subject of asking my father to wear depends?

If your dad is aware of his problem, suggest to him that you need his help and you are going to buy him some new underwear until you can get the problem fixed. My dad died two years ago and had multiple problems he was so embarrassed the first time I cleaned his hind parts but said it felt so good because my mother didn't want to be bothered taking care of him. I washed him and lotioned him and used depends to help keep him dry also I used a product from the hospital that created a barrier between the wetness and skin. something like a diaper rash product I might still have some at home and I will check and give you the name. A pharmacist ought to be able to recommend something suitable. If you're dad is anything like mine and hates to be taken care of he will agree. I really didn't ask my dad I just kinda took over and did it. He seemed to be fine with it and did not give me any repercussions about it but he had a broken hip than had to have it removed because of MRSA and than had a stroke and died a week later sounds quick but this was a four month problem and he had to have a IV every morning for six weeks so I learned how to do that as well each morning before work or week ends or church but he was a good patient unlike my mother who now lives with me and well that's another story. LOL Good luck

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most men are too proud to admit they need some advise in this area. i think neon has some good advise [above]. just take over with little discussion and get something for him. my thoughts are to start with some depends shields--just in case--tell him. then when he realizes that it kept accidents a secret, he'll be more accepting of the protection. then you can move up to the depends pull ups.

i'd like to add a little secret that we always tried. for later on when needed, on longer days out or away, try sticking a [much cheaper and more absorbant] Huggie in the front croch area. THEN the brief over, very snug. this will keep him dry for most of the day. it works great, of course if he isn't active. it also works better for overnite. good luck to you. sooz

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call them disposal briefs, never diapers, agree with him they are darned awful, but to keep him from being embarassed they are necessary, you hate them to and isn't it awful getting old, but heck well all do it. Try to get pullup disposable briefs if your father is in a condition to wear them.

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yes, I agree don't call them diapers I called them underwear and that seemed to work well with Dad and my mother In law when I took care of her. and because of dads hip I had to use the ones that didn't pull up so I wouldn't hurt his incision but I fixed the other side like it was pants and than attached the hip side and told him they made them just for persons with broken hips until the incision healed so it wouldn't get irritated. You can always find a way to explain it to their advantage made especially for them. That seems to ease the embarrasement a bit.

Yes, calling them pads or underwear or anything but diapers is vital. How would we like it? It's about dignity. You people are terrific!
Carol