The cost of bedwetting

Many parents struggle with communicating about bedwetting.  It is a sensitive topic and often parents deal with in isolation as they struggle to keep their child’s privacy.  But there are of course hidden costs involved with bedwetting, so the not only the emotional issues but financial too.

New figures from a national children’s charity reveal that a bedwetting child costs families an additional £716 per year¹. The figures come from ERIC, the only UK charity dedicated to helping children, young people and their families overcome wetting and soiling problems.

Bedwetting affects 1 in 12 children and young people, and new census figures show that this amounts to 1.1 million² children and young people in the UK.

Jenny Perez, ERIC Director said; “Childhood bedwetting puts increased strain on family life, not just in terms of financial cost, but children and parents can suffer emotionally and physically too.

“But by calling the ERIC Helpline or visiting the website, parents can get help including information on what might be causing bedwetting and things to try that can overcome or manage the problem. In many cases, a solution can be found and families needn’t continue to suffer in the hope it will go away.”

ERIC provides a 24/7 Helpline (0845 370 8008) and support online www.eric.org.uk

1. Weekly costs of a bedwetting child

How the costs are calculated

Load of washing
Full load, warm wash and rinse cycle 68p per load source: www.ask.co.uk

Washing powder
Bold 2 in 1  – 28 washes per pack £5 Source: ASDA

Tumble dryer
Bosch 14p per load, Beko 49p per load – averaged @ 30p per load  Source: Which on line

Bath
Source: Money Saving Forum

Bedding protection
Brolly Sheet single Duvet protector £29.95; Brolly sheet pillow protector £5.50; Tencel single mattress protector £32.50 = £67.95 ÷ 52 = £1.34 Source: ERIC 2012 -13  Information and Product Guide

Nightclothes
£10 per pair x 7 ÷ 52   Source: M&S on line

2.Census Figures

The recent census figures for England and Wales tell us that there are now 13.4 million children and teenagers under the age of 19yrs in England and Wales.  1 in 12 children and young people suffer with continence issues. In England and Wales there are now 1.1 million children with continence issues.

ERIC

ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) is a national children’s health charity dealing with bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and soiling in children and young people. ERIC provides information, support and resources to families and health professionals on bladder and bowel problems.

Ways to contact ERIC

Telephone Helpline 0845 370 8008 /  Website  www.eric.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/ERIC.UK1 / Twitter @ERIC_UK

Blog http://ericuk.wordpress.com/ YouTube charityERIC