Incontinence is a common health issue among elderly people, and it can be frustrating and inconvenient for both seniors and their caregivers. Fortunately, there are some methods for handling this issue that can make life easier for you and your aging loved one. Use the following tips to address your parent’s incontinence.
Talk to the Doctor
Some seniors experience incontinence because they have difficulty recognizing when they need to go to the bathroom. However, other seniors may be experiencing incontinence because of a medical condition that can be treated. Postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels can develop muscular atrophy that causes weakened bladders, and men may have incontinence due to enlarged prostates.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Clearwater, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Make It Easier to Reach the Bathroom
Many seniors have accidents because they cannot get to the bathroom in time. You can make it easier for your loved one to make it to the toilet by removing furniture from the pathway and always leaving the bathroom door open.
Avoid Diuretics
Foods and beverages that trigger urination can make it challenging for seniors to hold their bladders. The most commonly consumed diuretics are alcohol and caffeine, which have a stronger effect on seniors, so it’s wise to avoid serving them at times when your loved one doesn’t have quick access to a bathroom.
Try Physical Therapy
A key factor in bladder control is pelvic muscle strength. To strengthen these muscles, seniors can practice Kegel exercises, which involve tightening and holding the pelvic floor muscles. You may be able to find a physical therapist who can coach your loved one through these exercises if he or she cannot do them at home.
Use Protective Garments
Even when you take steps to prevent accidents, they can still happen. There are a lot of protective garments that can save a senior’s dignity and prevent messes. Underwear liners, protective underwear, and adult diapers can all contain leakage and incontinence. Some seniors might feel embarrassed about being seen buying these items at stores, so it may be best to have them shipped to your loved one’s home instead.
If your loved one needs help managing incontinence or another health concern, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Chart Bathroom Times
Keeping track of your loved one’s bathroom schedule can help you be aware of how often he or she needs to go to the bathroom. Since bodily signals for the need to urinate or defecate can dull with age, your loved one might not always recognize when he or she needs to use the restroom. Use the data you collect to figure out the average amount of time between bathroom visits and then take your loved one to the bathroom at set times.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver who can help your loved one manage the various challenges of incontinence. Clearwater elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (727) 330-7862 today.