Our care experts share our top tips for caring for incontinence in loved ones.
It’s not something most of us would feel comfortable sharing with others. Indeed, the embarrassment of even mentioning incontinence is often enough to keep the issue hidden. Not just that, but there is a common misunderstanding that it is simply a normal aspect of the aging process and needs to be quietly accepted and dealt with. Yet the fact is, half of all older adults struggle with urinary incontinence to some degree for a number of reasons, many of which are treatable. That’s why it is very important to bring this issue to light and learn tips for caring for incontinence.
How Can You Help an Older Loved One Who Has Incontinence?
As a family caregiver, there are a number of things you can do to help, beginning with scheduling a trip to the physician’s office. A doctor can test for a urinary tract infection or any other conditions that, once treated, can eradicate the problem. The following are a few additional tips for caring for incontinence:
- Prioritize hydration. Believe it or not, not drinking enough fluids can aggravate complications with incontinence. Scheduling trips to the bathroom every one to two hours, whether the person feels the urge to urinate or not, is a great way to regulate the intake of sufficient fluids.
- Modify the menu. Certain foods often trigger or worsen incontinence symptoms. Reduce or remove caffeinated and carbonated drinks, sugar, spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol, tomatoes, and acidic fruits from the individual’s diet.
- Explore mattress and furniture protectors. Absorbent padding on the bed and waterproof covers for other furniture can make cleanup faster and easier.
- Stay calm. It’s normal to feel frustrated by the additional work incontinence may cause a family caregiver. Still, remember that it’s not within the person’s control, and they probably already feel distressed about the condition. A calm, kind response to an accident will go a long way towards easing a stressful event for each of you.
- Think about clothing choices. Consider which kinds of clothing support easy accessibility to use the restroom, including pants with elastic waistbands as opposed to those with buttons and zippers. Clothes made of materials that are easier to clean and less inclined to stain are recommended as well.
How Home Care Makes Incontinence Care Easier
An in-home caregiver from Absolute Companion Care is a fantastic addition to your incontinence care toolbox! All of our care providers are thoroughly trained in providing discreet, respectful care for older adults struggling with incontinence, always maintaining the person’s dignity. We can assist with:
- Caring for personal hygiene
- Laundry and light housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation that is suitable for someone with incontinence
- Friendly, understanding, and compassionate companionship
- And much more
Give us a call at 410-357-9640 or reach out to us online to find out more about how our home care services in Hunt Valley, Monkton, Towson, and the nearby areas can help someone you love better manage incontinence or other challenges.