Aging Ahead Incontinence Care Resource Closet – Donations Needed

Recently, Allen Serfas, owner of Assistance Home Care, delivered unopened incontinence supplies to the Aging Ahead Incontinence Care Resource Closet at their main office in St. Louis. These items were donated by a family whose loved one had passed away while receiving hospice care, and the hospice agency would not accept the leftover supplies — even though they were unopened. What could no longer be used in one home became a vital resource for seniors throughout our community.

This moment highlights how families, nonprofits, and local care providers can work together to support older adults and family caregivers.

Why Hospice Providers Cannot Accept Unused Personal Care Supplies

Many families assume that unopened personal care items can be returned to hospice providers. Unfortunately, this is not allowed due to healthcare regulations.

Hospice agencies are restricted by strict safety and compliance rules. These rules exist to protect patients and providers.

Hospice providers cannot accept returned supplies because:

• Once supplies are issued, storage and handling conditions cannot be verified

• Federal and state regulations prohibit redistribution of issued medical items

• Safety standards require clear chain of custody for all care supplies

• Even sealed items must be treated as non-returnable

As a result, families are often left with unopened incontinence products after a loved one passes. During an already emotional time, this can create confusion about what to do next.

This is where trusted community organizations like Aging Ahead are able to step in to help.

How Aging Ahead’s Incontinence Supply Closet Helps Seniors

Incontinence supplies are a daily necessity for many older adults. They are also one of the most expensive ongoing care items.

Many insurance plans offer limited or no coverage for incontinence products. Seniors living on fixed incomes may struggle to afford them month after month.

Aging Ahead’s incontinence supply closet helps address this need by:

• Providing essential products to seniors in need

• Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for older adults

• Supporting dignity, comfort, and personal care

• Ensuring donated supplies are redistributed safely and responsibly

Donations of unopened supplies allow families to turn loss into lasting impact. What may seem like a small gesture can relieve a significant financial and emotional burden for another senior.

Aging Ahead and Who They Serve

Aging Ahead is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and caregivers throughout the St. Louis region.

Their services focus on helping seniors remain independent, connected, and safe as they age.

Aging Ahead services include:

• Local senior centers offering social connection and activities

• Nutritious meal programs

• Transportation assistance

• Caregiver education and support

• Access to essential resources such as incontinence supplies

Aging Ahead’s senior centers provide welcoming spaces where older adults can stay engaged and supported within their communities.

How to Connect With Aging Ahead

Seniors and caregivers can connect with Aging Ahead in several ways:

• Visit a local Aging Ahead senior center

• Explore available caregiver support programs

• Ask about meal, transportation, and resource assistance

• Learn how to donate or receive incontinence supplies

Whether you are an older adult seeking connection or a family caregiver looking for support, Aging Ahead offers practical and compassionate help.

How You Can Donate Unopened Incontinence Supplies to Aging Ahead

If you have unopened incontinence supplies, your donation can make an immediate difference.

Donation options include:

• Dropping items off at any Aging Ahead senior center, or their main office located at 14535 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011

• Delivering supplies to an Assistance Home Care office

Assistance Home Care offices accepting donations include:

• St. Louis: 9893 Manchester Rd. St. Louis, MO 63119

• St. Charles: 2234 Bluestone Dr. St. Charles, MO 63303

• Ellisville: 53 Clarkson Rd., Ste. A Ellisville, MO 63011

These donations directly support seniors who rely on Aging Ahead’s incontinence supply closet.

Assistance Home Care’s Commitment as an Aging Ahead Champion of Family Caregivers

Assistance Home Care is proud to be an Aging Ahead Champion of Family Caregivers. This partnership reflects our shared belief that caring for seniors also means caring for the people who support them every day.

Our commitment includes:

• Regular monthly financial giving to Aging Ahead

• Direct support for respite care programs in the community

• Advocacy for family caregivers navigating aging-related challenges

Family caregivers often juggle full-time jobs, parenting, and caregiving responsibilities. Respite care gives them time to rest, attend appointments, and restore their own well-being.

Supporting respite care strengthens caregivers and helps seniors remain safely supported at home.

When Home Care Support Is Needed

Community programs provide critical resources, but some families also need in-home care support.

Assistance Home Care provides non-medical home care services for seniors in St. Louis and St. Charles. Our services are designed to support safety, independence, and peace of mind at home.

Our Team assists with:

• Personalized in-home care plans

• Flexible schedules with no minimum hours

• Support for family caregivers

• Guidance through care decisions

If you are exploring home care for yourself or a loved one, reaching out does not mean committing to services. It simply starts a conversation. Reach out to our Team to request a free consultation and learn more about home care.

A Shared Commitment to Care

Through partnerships with organizations like Aging Ahead, Assistance Home Care remains committed to strengthening the network of support around seniors and family caregivers.

By donating unopened supplies, supporting respite care, and working together as a community, we can continue honoring the wishes of older adults to age with dignity, comfort, and care at home.