These incontinence care tips for family caregivers can help ease symptoms and provide better care for loved ones.
It’s not something most of us would feel comfortable discussing with others. The awkwardness of even talking about incontinence is generally enough to keep the problem hidden. Not only that, but there’s a common, incorrect assumption that it is simply a normal part of aging and needs to be quietly accepted. Yet the reality is, 50% of all older adults struggle with bladder control problems at some level for a number of reasons, many of which are treatable. This makes it very important to bring this issue to light and learn incontinence care tips for family caregivers.
How Can You Help a Senior Loved One Who Has Incontinence?
There are a number of helpful incontinence care tips for family caregivers, starting with scheduling a visit to the physician’s office. The physician can test for a urinary tract infection or other conditions that, once treated, can eliminate the problem. Below are a few additional ways to support the individual:
- Consider clothing choices. Consider which kinds of clothing support quick access to use the bathroom, such as pants with elastic waistbands instead of those with zippers and buttons. Clothing made of materials that are easier to clean and less likely to stain is recommended as well.
- Explore furniture and mattress protectors. Absorbent padding on the bed and waterproof covers for other furniture makes cleanup much simpler.
- Modify the menu. Certain foods are known to trigger or worsen incontinence symptoms. Reduce or remove spicy foods, tomatoes, acidic fruits, sugar, chocolate, carbonated and caffeinated drinks and alcohol from the person’s diet.
- Keep your cool. It is normal to feel frustrated by the added work incontinence may cause a family caregiver. However, keep in mind it is not within the person’s control, and they very likely already feel distressed over the condition. A calm, kind response to an accident could go a long way towards easing a stressful situation for both of you.
- Ensure hydration. Believe it or not, not drinking enough fluids can exacerbate problems 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.
How Home Care Can Help
An in-home caregiver from Anthem Home Care is a great addition to your incontinence care toolbox! All of our care providers are well trained in providing respectful, discreet care for individuals struggling with incontinence, always protecting the person’s dignity. We can assistance with:
- Personal hygiene
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation that is ideal for someone with incontinence
- Friendly, understanding, and compassionate companionship
- And much more
Contact us at 361-643-2323 or online to learn more regarding how our home care services in Ineside, Aransas Pass, Rockport, and the surrounding areas can help someone you love better manage incontinence or any other challenges.