Underpads for Elderly Care at Home

Does Cucu insist she is fine, while the mattress quietly tells another story?

Leaks can happen as people age. It is nothing to be ashamed of. With the right supplies and a calm routine, home care gets much easier for everyone in the house.

This guide is for families looking after an elderly parent or grandparent at home in Kenya. It covers where to use underpads, how to protect dignity and what to keep in stock.

Why families use underpads at home

They protect the mattress, which is costly and slow to dry.
One pad is quicker to change than a full set of sheets.
Night changes are faster and quieter.
They protect the sofa, the armchair and the wheelchair seat too.
Less washing means less water, soap and time.

Buy	What you get	Price
Sternmed underpads, packet of 10	10 pads, 60 x 90 cm	KSh 800
Sternmed underpads, bale of 10 packets	100 pads, 60 x 90 cm	KSh 8,000

Where to use underpads around the house

Place	How to use	Tip
Bed	On top of the sheet, under the hips	Smooth out folds and use the adhesive tape
Sofa or armchair	Across the seat before they sit	Use a fresh pad each time it gets wet
Wheelchair seat	Flat on the seat or cushion	Check it whenever you check the bed
Changing a diaper	Under the person while you change them	Keeps the bed clean during the change

Underpads, mackintosh or both?

In Kenya, many people know the mackintosh, a waterproof sheet that goes over the mattress. One Kenyan supplier listed a 130 x 200 cm mackintosh draw sheet at KSh 2,000 in October 2026. A mackintosh and an underpad do different jobs.

The mackintosh

It stays on the mattress, under the sheet. It is washable and reusable. You wash it when it gets dirty.

The underpad

It sits on top of the sheet, under the person. You throw it away after one use and lay a fresh one.

Using both

The mackintosh guards the mattress. The underpad saves the sheet and the mackintosh from most of the mess. Together they mean fewer full bed changes.

Keep dignity at the centre

Talk about pads in private, never in front of visitors.
Use words they are comfortable with, such as “bed pad”.
Let them help where they can, for example by lifting their hips.
Close the door or curtain during changes.
Keep supplies in a drawer or basket, not on show.

Respect goes a long way. It also makes changes calmer and quicker for both of you.

The favourite chair

Many older people spend hours in one chair, near the window or the TV. That chair takes a lot of the risk. Lay an underpad across the seat each morning. Put a fresh one down after any leak. It is far easier than cleaning a fabric sofa.

A simple daily routine

Morning: check the pad, wash, change and open the window for fresh air.
After meals: a quick check.
Afternoon: check the pad on the chair or wheelchair.
Before sleep: lay a fresh pad on the bed and keep spare pads within reach.
At night: check if they call or if you are up.

Change any wet pad promptly. Keep the skin clean and dry. For the full method, read how to use underpads for a bedridden patient.

Signs to check with a nurse or doctor

Red skin that does not fade
Broken skin or sores
Pain when they lie down or sit
Leaks that are new or suddenly worse

An underpad is protection, not treatment. Ask a professional about anything that worries you.

If a carer or house help assists

Show them the routine once and watch them do it.
Keep gloves, wipes and pads in one known place.
Ask them to tell you when the last packet is opened.
Agree on what to report, such as red skin or a new sore.

Visiting family or going upcountry

Travelling for a wedding, a family gathering or the December holidays? Carry a packet of underpads. Lay one on the bed where your parent sleeps and one on any chair they use for long. Your host’s mattress stays clean and nobody has to feel embarrassed.

What to keep at home

Underpads, 60 x 90 cm
Disposable gloves and wipes
Bin bags
Spare sheets and a mackintosh
Adult diapers, if they use them
A bed pan or urinal bottle for the night
A commode chair if the toilet is far. See our commode and toilet seat price guide.
A wheelchair for moving around. See our wheelchair price guide.

Packet or bale for home care?

Start with a packet of 10 for KSh 800. Once you know how many you use each day, move to a bale of 100 for KSh 8,000 if it makes sense. The price is KSh 80 a pad either way.

Sternmed underpads are 60 x 90 cm with a soft, breathable top, 3D diamond embossing and adhesive tape. The packet also lists 900ml+ ultra absorption and antibacterial protection. Use our underpads planner to work out your month.

Not sure if pads or diapers suit your parent? Read underpads or adult diapers.

Sharing the cost with family

Elder care is often a family effort. Work out the monthly number with the planner, then share it in the family WhatsApp group. One sibling can order a bale each month while others cover diapers, gloves and wipes.

Ordering for a parent in another town

Many of us care for parents who live far away. You can order online, on WhatsApp or by phone and give us their address. We confirm the order and the delivery cost first. You pay by M Pesa, then we dispatch. We deliver across Kenya.

Order Sternmed underpads today

Buy a packet of 10 for KSh 800 or a bale of 100 pads for KSh 8,000. We deliver to all 47 counties and confirm the delivery cost before dispatch. Pay by M Pesa after we confirm your order.

Prefer to talk? WhatsApp us or call 0702 962504. A real person replies.

Looking after an elderly parent is love in action. A few good supplies make the days lighter.

Questions people ask

What underpads are good for elderly people?

Look for a clear size, a soft top and a stated absorption on the packet. Sternmed underpads are 60 x 90 cm with a soft, breathable top and adhesive tape. The packet states 900ml+ ultra absorption.

Can I use underpads on a sofa or wheelchair?

Yes. Lay a pad flat across the seat. Change it when it gets wet or soiled.

What is the difference between an underpad and a mackintosh?

A mackintosh is a washable waterproof sheet that stays on the mattress. An underpad is a single use pad that goes on top of the sheet, under the person.

Will the underpad stay in place on the bed?

Sternmed pads have adhesive tape that helps hold them in place. Smooth the pad flat before the person lies down.

How do I talk to my parent about using bed pads?

Choose a private moment. Use simple, kind words. Explain that the pads keep the bed fresh and make nights easier for everyone.

Can I order underpads for a parent in another town?

Yes. We deliver across Kenya. Give us the delivery address and we confirm the cost before dispatch.