Aging is a natural process and part of life that many wish they could avoid altogether. Unfortunately, control over the body’s natural functions can start to slow down. Aging isn’t just about wrinkling skin, it’s also about weakened control over the bowels. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed by these situations, as these are painful reminders of lost youth. The odors of urine and waste are not exclusive to the homeless, these can also afflict the elderly who lose control of their bowels.
Today, there are a few options available to help people deal with issues like weakened bladders. There are permanent solutions like surgical procedures and temporary options like pads and underwear. Sadly, many people who are plagued with weakened bladders choose to isolate themselves from social activities because of fear and embarrassment. While this is a natural part of life, the problem is considered to be a ‘taboo' topic.
However, with the advancement of social media and the internet, many have discovered Coloplast; a company focused on providing alternative solutions to bowel movements and waste management conditions. This company offers services like surgeries in addition to offering equipment for daily use. Furthermore, Coloplast claims to work closely with each customer to properly determine their needs.
Coloplast’s Lifelong Mission
According to the official website, Coloplast claims to assist with a variety of medical issues, but its main focus is on digestive and bowel conditions. Even though many patients feel humiliated for having these conditions, the company wants to create a strong relationship with the customer in order to provide successful treatments. This close connection between the company and patient is described by Coloplast as ‘Intimate Healthcare.’
The Coloplast website explains that compassionate help to offer the elderly comfort is the company’s core value. In particular, Coloplast promotes a heavy emphasis on establishing a ‘close relationship’ with its customers, so that they can start living and enjoying life again.
A Breakdown Of The Coloplast Services
While the company treats a variety of ailments and illnesses, it specializes in treating chronic bowel conditions. By looking at the introductory video on the official website, one can see the services offered by Coloplast.
The Four Main Fields Are:
- Ostomy Care (42%), or artificial devices that provide an opening at the intestine
- Continence Care (35%), or a lack of self-control over one’s bowels
- Urology Care (10%), or the study and equipment concerning urinary illnesses
- Wound & Skin Care (13%); Typical, but chronic, openings or skin treatment
Continence Products
Bladder issues are among the most frequent conditions many elderly people will have in their lifetime. In addition to the traditional hygiene issues, the buildup of urine or waste can cause serious health risks. Coloplast has several products to offer its clientele, ranging from male and female catheters to adult diapers and incontinence pads. The range of diapers and pads for weak bladders is as diverse as the range of feminine products.
For the male demographic, Coloplast advertises the ‘SpeediCath Compact Male’ catheter, which the official website claims to be “A revolution in intermittent catheterization.” Unlike other products, the SpeediCath can be stored in a patient’s pocket for quick use. The web page describes the product’s ability to be re-sealable and discreet while not affecting a person’s hygiene.
The Ostomy Procedure
For many older patients, using the bathroom can become a difficult task, especially if frequent trips require constant strain or struggling with passing waste. Coloplast’s services provide ostomy surgeries, which can create an artificial opening to allow relief and ease to release waste from the body. The opening, called a stoma, will serve as the patient’s new alternative to using the restroom.
Although this does sound intimidating, the company provides resources to prepare patients for life with a stoma.
Additional information on their website includes:
- How to feel confident and enjoy a full life with a stoma
- Diet, exercises, and other changes in a patient’s daily life
- Official ostomy supports groups
- Explaining the procedure to friends and family
Common Online Reviews
A search for reviews on Coloplast’s products offers very few user testimonials. There are, however, a few reviews on Amazon although these are mostly for the topical skin products, such as the moisturizer or bathing products. Many of the reviewers do rate Coloplast’s skin products highly, with approval ratings in the 80%-90% range. Common threads in these reviews touch upon the skin cleanser’s effectiveness, protection from rashes, and removal of dry and dead skin.
Further research on the company’s ostomy bags reveals moderately lower ratings than those for the company’s skin care products. Some users mention that the bags are easy to use and odor free. However, some patients report leakages that they attribute to the weak glue at the seams. And some patients report that these particular ostomy bags are too expensive. The overall reviews on Amazon point to a positive approval rating for those needing Coloplast’s products.
Recent Lawsuits
In December 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a public notice that Coloplast and Liberator Medical have agreed to settle a bribery allegation for $3.6 million. According to the article specified by the Federal Bureau of Information’s official website, Coloplast provided products for Liberator Medical to sell to the public, along with a variety of competitor’s goods. While this was a normal agreement between both companies, suspicion grew because customers were constantly introduced to Colopast’s products.
Upon investigation, there was evidence to suggest that since 2009, Coloplast paid Liberator Medical to promote and recommend the company’s products over their competitor’s. Since this largely distorts which brands consumers will buy, both companies were placed under investigation for bribery. However, the case was resolved with the settlement and was not brought to court.
A Healthy Review For Coloplast?
On their official website, Coloplast proudly claims to assist and treat the ‘taboo’ conditions their patients may endure. While there are mentions of potential lawsuits and suspicions over marketing practices, there are some fairly positive reviews on the company’s products to suggest satisfied customers. The company's products may provide hope and confidence to an aging segment of our population.
