An interview with Deanna Vigliotta -Urinary Incontinence related to Parkinson’s Disease – An Often Overlooked Topic on January 16, 2024 by Dr. George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Deanna has an extensive 30-year healthcare sales and sales management background. Deanna is the National Sales Manager for Seni, a premium brand of adult incontinence products. She and her Seni teammates are on a quest to shift mindset in the USA from adult incontinence products being viewed as a disposable commodity to high performing incontinence products being viewed as a critical component to the continuum of care.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I was born and raised in Massachusetts, just north of Boston. As a young teenager, one of my first jobs was working in a “retirement home”, which would now be called an assisted living facility. I was also a nurse’s aide for many years in a couple of different “nursing homes”, which would be referred to as a skilled health facility today.
After graduating from college, I have spent the last 30 years working in medical sales, primarily in the radiology imaging space. I joined TZMO SA, a manufacturer of high performing hygiene products, in 2019 and it has been the most rewarding work of my career.
I currently live in central Florida, have been married to my husband for close to 30 years, and we have two adult sons. I enjoy walking, writing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, along with helping people.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
Seni brand is a premium line of incontinence products that falls under the Poland based TZMO SA group umbrella. Since 1951, TZMO has been a leading European manufacturer and supplier of sanitary articles, cosmetics, and medical devices to the world market. Seni products improve the quality of life for people living with incontinence, allowing them to enjoy everyday life activities with confidence.
We are committed to providing Seni customers with the highest quality products available that are safe, comfortable, and effective. The Seni brand offers a full scope of premium incontinence products. Our mission is to help make life happier and easier for people challenged with incontinence, and their caregivers, by virtue of the premium line of products that we manufacture.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion lies in helping people who are living with urinary incontinence. By virtue of attending many senior living, healthcare, and/or local community related educational conferences, I was made aware about the implications of urinary incontinence challenges for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. It is estimated that 30-40% of people living with Parkinson’s Disease may have bladder issues, with about 15% of this demographic having very troublesome incontinence related challenges.
I believe that more education, more awareness, and more empathy is needed to help people who are living with incontinence. It is a difficult, and often overlooked topic, and yet incontinence affects all parties involved in the care of a loved one.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
First and foremost, our goal is to provide education and resources that help to improve some level of continence for people who are experiencing urinary incontinence. For those that are “deep in the weeds” with incontinence related challenges, it can lead to social isolation, depression, and negative clinical outcomes, all of which significantly affect quality of life for people. When people are aware of resources and options related to better continence care, an improved quality of life is the goal.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
We provide educational webinars, podcasts, attend conferences, and provide Seni product in-services to many senior living communities and/or support groups who are caring for people with dementia, including many people who are living with PD.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Urinary incontinence can have a major impact that affects quality of life for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Social isolation due to worry of a potential accident happening is one example of a negative ripple effect of urinary incontinence. However, positive ripple effects are possible with proper education and understanding the importance of choosing high quality incontinence products when needed.
We focus on breaking down stigmas and providing education so all people living with this chronic condition can enjoy everyday life activities with less worry.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
We are launching a new video podcast series titled “Continence Chat” in January 2024. This 30-minute program, which will be on YouTube twice a month is intended to help make uncomfortable conversations more comfortable. We will be inviting guests to be on the show that have positive stories to share, again, with our hope being that urinary incontinence related conversations will become more common and less taboo.
What events do you participate in?
We support many national, regional, and local senior living and healthcare related organizations by virtue of sponsorships, webinar presentations, exhibiting at conferences, and providing free Seni product samples so people can try our Seni products to make sure they have the proper fit, size, and style. At the local level, we have been involved with several Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s “Moving Day” walks, conferences, and support groups.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Education and providing free product samples are two significant ways that we support caregivers. Having options and understanding solutions can help keep people aging in place longer at home.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Our website is www.seni-usa.com
People can reach out to me at deanna.vigliotta@tzmousa.com
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
One of the ways to become advocates for awareness related to urinary incontinence challenges affecting those living with Parkinson’s Disease is to follow us on our social media pages. Knowledge is key!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tzmo-usa-inc Tag = @TZMO USA, inc.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeniCares, Tag = @SeniCares
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeniUSACares/
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Hands down, education is key!
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
I think the key to fundraising is collaborative efforts amongst like-minded individuals and organizations.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I am a believer that overall well-being, both physically and emotionally, helps us to navigate what has become a very challenging world. For those living with Parkinson’s disease or other medical conditions, the challenges are even more magnified. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to starting each day with a positive mindset.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
People should be aware and care about all things related to “people”. As a society, we are social beings by nature. When we can “walk in the shoes” of others, we are better equipped to understand that we are connected more than we may initially think. One never knows what the future holds, and thus “walking in the shoes of others today”, may in fact be your tennis shoes tomorrow!
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
I have not had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Neil Diamond – Forever in Blue Jeans
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
You are not alone, and fortunately there are many resources out there to help you. Education and undisturbed nightly sleep are key to starting each day with a positive mindset.