Although incontinence is not a normal sign of aging, elderly individuals are often plagued by the condition. The adult children who care for them oftentimes don’t know where to start because they’ve never had any experience with incontinence. If your elderly parent is suffering from bladder weakness, here are six main things you as a caretaker should do:
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Make a doctor’s appointment. There’s a reason why this is first on the list. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of an underlying cause. Your parent may have a urinary tract infection or something more serious, like diabetes. Take your loved one to the doctor’s, making sure to thoroughly describe all symptoms.
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Use discreet incontinence products.Many elderly adults, or anyone for that matter, feel embarassed and less dignified when wearing absorbent undergarments. They’re afraid that someone will notice a bulky diaper or smell urine odors. Look for adult briefs with advanced wicking capabilities and odor control. Breathable briefs are more discreet than traditional all-plastic diapers. Protective underwear allows an able-bodied person to pull the brief up and down like ordinary underwear. Another option is washable underwear. These look and feel like regular underwear, and even come in designs and styles that your loved one will find familiar and comforting.
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Keep skin clean and healthy. Maintaining personal hygiene is a critical aspect of incontinence care. Urine and the use of adult briefs can cause diaper rashes and skin irritation. Your parent should be changed regularly, especially if he or she is bedridden. No-rinse cleansers and barrier creams are two must-haves for your arsenal.
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Wear appropriate clothing. Make sure that your loved one is wearing simple-to-remove clothing. You don’t want them to struggle with stubborn zippers or fumble with loop buttons as they try to make it to the bathroom in time. Look for pants with an elastic waistband or snap buttons.
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Protect the furniture with waterproof bedding. Vinyl mattress covers offer an inexpensive way to keep the mattress protected from adult incontinence and bedwetting. The zippered styles also provide protection against bedbugs, dust mites, and other allergens. Washable underpads are another great option. They can be easily swapped out for those middle-of-the-night cleanups. This mattress underpad uses bleach to effectively eliminate smelly urine odors.
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Schedule regular bathroom trips. A good way to practice good bladder habits is to ensure that your elderly loved one uses the bathroom on a regular basis. Practicing timed voiding helps improve bladder control and prevent wetting accidents. Vibrating reminder watches help users establish a sense of independence.
Caring for an elderly loved one can be difficult – hopefully these tips will help you better manage your parent’s incontinence.
