Adult incontinence supplies, such as disposable briefs and pads, are a constant necessity for millions of people across the country. Managing incontinence is a costly undertaking, with individuals often spending between $50 and $200 per month on these products, a burden that many insurance plans do not cover. The average adult uses five to eight diapers daily, translating to a monthly need of 150 to 240 units. When a patient’s medical needs change or a loved one passes away, families frequently find themselves with surplus, unopened packages of this durable medical equipment. Donating these unused supplies is a practical way to help others facing financial strain and a lack of access to this basic hygiene item.
Finding Local Community Recipients
Many local organizations serve as direct distribution points for adult diapers, offering immediate relief to people in the community. Homeless shelters and food banks frequently support individuals with limited income, including older adults or people with disabilities who require these products to maintain dignity and health.
Senior centers and local hospice organizations also represent direct donation avenues, as they work closely with the population most likely to use adult incontinence products. Community-based faith organizations, such as church outreach programs, may also operate smaller-scale distribution efforts. Before dropping off any supplies, contact the organization directly to confirm they have the storage capacity and current need for adult sizes, as many advertise primarily for baby diapers.
Connecting with Specialized Supply Banks
For donors with larger quantities of supplies or those seeking a more formalized process, specialized supply banks offer a logistical advantage over smaller community centers. These organizations are established specifically to handle and redistribute health-related products, often operating on a regional or state-wide level. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) reuse programs, for example, collect a variety of gently used medical items and sometimes include unopened incontinence supplies in their inventory.
These programs often have systems in place for managing bulk donations more efficiently than a local shelter. Dedicated diaper banks, while historically focused on infants, increasingly recognize the parallel need for adult-sized products and have begun to incorporate them into their distribution models. The National Diaper Bank Network can serve as a resource for locating a member organization nearby that accepts adult sizes.
Essential Guidelines for Donating Supplies
Adhering to a few practical guidelines ensures the supplies are safe and ready for immediate use. All donated adult diapers must be in their original, unopened packaging to maintain hygiene standards and be accepted by most recipient organizations. Organizations cannot risk distributing products that may have been compromised or contaminated.
It is helpful to separate the packages by size and absorbency level before donating, as this minimizes the sorting labor required by volunteers. If an organization is a certified non-profit, donors may be able to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the items. Requesting an itemized receipt at the time of donation is necessary to support any potential deduction. Scheduling a drop-off time, rather than leaving items unannounced, respects the limited staff and resources of the recipient organization.