ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas is seeing an increase in the number of senior citizens who can’t afford incontinence supplies.
“Our helpline receives calls for all different types of needs, and one of the biggest needs they identified were people who couldn’t afford incontinence supplies,” said Peggy Herlache, the agency’s assistant director of community health.
That’s why the agency partners with more than one dozen community centers for its Diapers for Dignity program. It is donor-driven and aims to support seniors discreetly, providing free incontinence supplies.
“It’s essential because a lot of seniors are very insecure when it comes down to incontinence,” said Venseta Anthony, who helps distribute products at the Sunshine Center in St. Petersburg.
“Financially, now, the way things are going on, a lot of seniors are on fixed income,” said Anthony.
Anthony knows the supplies are expensive because she has also benefited from the program.
“The times that I was in need… the supplies were here for me also,” said Anthony.
The agency wants to ensure sure the items are acquired with discretion. Seniors go to their local site to pick up products, provide minimal information and leave with dignity and much-needed products.
“They can walk out and be proud, and nobody knows their business,” said Anthony.
The agency says the need is growing, reporting that in 2023, 71,401 items were distributed. In 2024, 84,290 products were distributed and in 2025, 115,507 items were distributed. The number is trending to increase again for 2026. The agency reports that during the first four months of 2026, 40,451 items have already been distributed.
Herlache delivered donated supplies to the Sunshine Center Thursday, knowing they would go quickly.
“We ask for the packages to be unopened, all sizes of pull-ups, pads, the bed pads,” said Herlache.
Anthony and other clients say they appreciate the access and, most of all, the discretion.
The helpline can be reached at 800-963-5337.