How to Manage Incontinence
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
The aging process brings on various changes as we age, and incontinence is one of those changes.
Incontinence refers to an involuntary loss of bladder control, which can greatly affect your senior’s quality of life and comfort around others. Especially if we’re aiming to get them more socially engaged, incontinence can throw a wrench into plans.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage incontinence and improve your senior’s confidence.
Understanding Incontinence in Seniors
There are many factors that play a role with incontinence. Your senior may have weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, or side effects of medications in general.
There are two types of incontinence, however. One type we mentioned, urinary, and the other is fecal.
Urinary Incontinence: This type involves unintentional leakage of urine. It can be brought on by physical activity (stress), urges (sudden and strong sensation to urinate), or overflow (inability to empty the bladder completely).
Fecal Incontinence: This type refers to involuntary loss of stool. This can occur due to weakened rectal muscles, nerve damage, or digestive disorders.
How Can Seniors and Caregivers Manage Incontinence?
Lifestyle modifications. A balanced diet, staying hydrated, and regular exercise can greatly help reduce involuntary leakage or loss of stool. There are bladder irritants, such as caffeine and alcohol, that can increase incontinence, so avoiding these beverages can help manage this condition.
Pelvic floor exercises. Building the muscles around the pelvic floor can help keep things tight and functioning properly. Atrophy is common among seniors, but they can still build muscles and help regain strength.
Scheduled toilet time. Like when we’re kids, scheduling visits to the restroom is essential to controlling sudden leakage or loss of stool. Even if you don’t feel like you need to “go”, you can try. Do so before leaving the house. After leaving an event. Be sure to have access to a restroom available or nearby, too. Such is true for long drives where you may need to make a pit stop just to try to use the restroom.
Incontinence pads or underwear. When in doubt, having extra support is helpful. Pads make great absorbent aides to catch any random leakage. Adult diapers are available for those who suffer fecal incontinence. Don’t be afraid to protect yourself this way. There is no shame in keeping up your hygiene and building your confidence. Many seniors help themselves this way. Do consider it.
Lastly, be sure to talk with your primary care physician to see if there are any medical interventions you may try to help keep things controlled. It’s always good to ask a healthcare professional how you can live a happy life and what lifestyle changes are necessary to do so.
Living with incontinence can be emotionally challenging for seniors.
Encouraging open communication, offering support, and promoting self-care can help seniors maintain a positive outlook and cope with any feelings of embarrassment or isolation.
For more information on incontinence in seniors, contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about managing incontinence in the elderly and are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
