LiveAnew

Maybe the only thing more frustrating than living with incontinence is sorting through all the products designed to help manage the condition. While the variety of brands, styles, sizes, and absorbency levels is a good thing overall, figuring out what to buy can be confusing. Trial and error can be costly. And not many people want to stand in a store aisle comparing the fine print on bladder-control pad packages. For these reasons, a growing number of shoppers prefer to do their research and make purchases online.

LiveAnew is an Austin, TX-based online retailer that sells incontinence pads, undergarments, and skin care products by the case. The company was founded by a family caregiver who realized that not only is managing incontinence a daily challenge, but that purchasing products can be a source of embarrassment and an inconvenience for many seniors. LiveAnew hires customer service staff members with experience caring for patients and family members so they understand the needs of shoppers.

The brands offered by LiveAnew are Attends, Depend, Poise, Prevail, Tena, and Tranquility. Offerings range from light-duty bladder control pant liners to overnight undergarments, furniture pads, and medicinal skim creams.

LiveAnew also sells bathroom safety accessories such as bath steps, shower stools, adaptive toilet seats, and grab bars. These items are sold individually rather than by the case.

Pros:

LiveAnew offers a comprehensive selection of product brands, styles, and protection levels. The shop’s BestFit tool helps overwhelmed or confused shoppers find the proper items, and the CareFree Calendar offers order reminders without automatically shipping more products. The shop’s education section has several resources for seniors and caregivers to help find the right fit, choose the right products, and maintain good bladder health. Customer service reps with senior-care experience are available by phone and online to help shoppers choose the right items. Products are delivered in discreet packaging.

The Better Business Bureau gives LiveAnew an A+ rating as of July 2015. The company has been BBB accredited since 2012.

Cons:

Prices are generally higher than those found at Amazon and Costco.

Fine print:

LiveAnew products cannot be shipped to PO boxes. Damaged, defective, and unopened items may be returned within 30 days of the order date. LiveAnew does not charge a restocking fee for returns. Customers are responsible for return shipping on items that are not damaged or defective.

Cost:

Prices vary by product, brand and style. Light bladder control pads start at $45 per case, while overnight brief-style underwear cost up to $84 per case. Specialized skin care items such as wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves range in price from $20 to $40 per case. Shipping is free on orders over $40 delivered within the continental US. For orders under $40 the flat shipping rate is $8. FedEx shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada is $60. Texas residents must pay sales tax; for other shoppers, sales are tax-free.

Best for…

Seniors and caregivers who want to buy from a merchant that focuses exclusively on incontinence care supplies; shoppers who want personalized customer service; shoppers who prefer to support small businesses.