When caring for someone with incontinence, these tips can help.
It’s not something most people would feel comfortable discussing with others. As a matter of fact, the embarrassment of even talking about incontinence is generally enough to keep the problem concealed. Not only that, but there’s a common, incorrect assumption that it’s simply a standard part of getting older and needs to be discreetly accepted and handled. Yet the truth is, half of all older adults struggle with urinary incontinence to some degree for multiple reasons, some of which are treatable. This makes it vitally important to bring the topic to light, especially for those caring for someone with incontinence.
What Are Some Tips for Caring for Someone With Incontinence?
As a caregiver for an older loved one, there are a number of actions you can take to help, beginning with scheduling a trip to the physician’s office. The doctor can test for a UTI or other conditions that, once treated, can eliminate the problem. Below are some other tips to support to the person:
- Utilize furniture and mattress protectors. Absorbent padding on the bed and waterproof covers for other pieces of furniture will make cleanup easier.
- Alter the menu. Specific foods are known to trigger or worsen symptoms of incontinence. Reduce or remove alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, acidic fruits, tomatoes, sugar, and spicy foods from the person’s diet.
- Make sure the person stays hydrated. Surprisingly, not drinking enough fluids can exacerbate complications with incontinence. Scheduling trips to the bathroom every one to two hours, whether they feel the urge to urinate or not, is an effective way to manage the consumption of sufficient fluids.
- Take into account clothing choices. Consider which styles of clothing support easy access to use the bathroom, such as pants with elastic waistbands rather than those with buttons and zippers. Clothing made of materials that are easier to clean and less likely to stain is important as well.
- Stay calm. It is common to feel frustrated by the extra work brought on by caring for someone with incontinence. However, keep in mind it’s not in the person’s control, and they very likely already feel upset over the condition. A calm, kind response to an accident will go a long way towards easing a stressful event for both of you.
How Home Care Can Help
An in-home care provider from Compassionate Nursing Services is a wonderful addition to your incontinence care toolbox! All of our care providers are thoroughly trained in providing respectful, discreet care for older adults struggling with incontinence, always preserving the person’s dignity. We can assistance with:
- Personal hygiene
- Laundry and light housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Meal prep that is appropriate for someone with incontinence
- Compassionate, friendly, and understanding companionship
- And much more
Contact us online or call us at 314-432-4312 for additional information on how our home care services in Town and Country, Clayton, Oakville, and the nearby areas can help someone you love better manage incontinence or other challenges.