Incontinence is something that millions of people deal with every day, and can affect more people as they age, but this needn’t be something that controls the day-to-day life of those living with the condition. At Complete Care Shop, we offer a range of products and solutions that can help those dealing with elderly incontinence.
In this article, we’re going to consider how to deal with elderly incontinence. We’ll cover the reasons it can happen, what you can do about it and how we can help you or a loved one to stay in control with practical tips for managing and coping with incontinence as an older individual. Read on to find out more about how we can help you.
Many elderly people suffering from incontinence don’t seek help or support because they find it embarrassing or feel like they’re the only ones going through it. In fact, 2.5 million people over 60 in the UK live with incontinence. Always remember, you’re not alone and you needn’t manage this condition on your own.
Incontinence happens because of a loss of control of the bladder or bowels. If there is a problem with the urinary or digestive systems and the muscles that help to control them, then this can lead to incontinence.
In the short term, incontinence can cause hygiene issues, can be emotionally distressing, can disrupt daily activities and routine, and can cause sleep disruption.
In the longer term, those living with incontinence can experience skin problems, urinary tract infections, can suffer falls and fractures, and decreased pyschological well being.
If you’re struggling with how to deal with elderly incontinence, it's important first to know the different types:
As well as varying types, there are also different reasons why incontinence may occur. Understanding what’s happening to your body and why is essential in getting the problem under control.
Sometimes incontinence can happen as a result of an existing medical condition, for example:
In many cases, incontinence will not persist after the associated medical condition is treated and the course of medication causing this side effect is completed. There are, however, more persistent, longer-term incontinence types that occur, and which tend to be more common in elderly individuals.
Incontinence in older people can last longer and may need more monitoring and support to keep it under control. Reasons for this could include:
Aside from these factors, mobility problems can also be a contributing factor to elderly incontinence. Arthritis, for example, is more prevalent in older people and can make it difficult to get to the toilet in time.
At Complete Care Shop, we can help you to deal with elderly incontinence. You’ll find a wide range of incontinence aids available on our website, and there are also many things that you can do to help to manage the problem at home.
If you’re suffering from incontinence as an older person, you might consider some lifestyle changes that could help you to get the problem under control. For example, although incontinence is not linked to drinking too much fluid (in fact, it’s a bad idea to cut down on drinking fluids) you should consider cutting out alcohol and caffeine, as they can exacerbate bladder problems. Similarly, quitting smoking can help reduce bladder irritation, along with the other obvious health benefits this brings.
There are lots of tools and aids that can help you manage incontinence on a day-to-day basis, reduce stress and let you carry on as normal. Many are inexpensive and most are even free! For example, a “Just Can’t Wait” card for discreet access to toilets that aren’t usually open to the public is available for free from the Bladder and Bowel UK charity. RADAR toilet keys can get you access to public toilets that are usually locked, for example, those in high street cafes and marketplaces. Technology is here to help too, as there are many free apps for smartphones that will help you find the nearest public toilet wherever you may be. On Google Maps you can even select a walking route suitable for wheelchairs or rollators.
At Complete Care Shop we stock a wide range of specialist products designed specifically to help you manage elderly incontinence, keeping you comfortable with dignity. From incontinence pads and incontinence pants to waterproof bedding and more, there are many options that can make day-to-day life a little easier.
As well as these tools and products, there are other changes you can implement to make life easier and lead a normal life at home. If mobility and access are an issue, perhaps if you only have a toilet upstairs, you could consider a commode at home to make things easier. Commodes and commode chairs are essential for helping individuals with limited mobility use the bathroom for daily washing or toileting needs. By offering support in a comfortable sitting position, a commode toilet such as a folding commode helps with cleanliness, hygiene and comfort.
Incontinence Disposal Systems are a good way to dispose of waste and manage odour in a discreet and reassuring way.
Seeking professional help if a situation gets worse should never be overlooked. If your symptoms are new, or if they have become worse, then speaking to a professional is the best thing to do. Your GP can help you with diagnosis and medications and may refer you to other professionals who are trained specifically to help you.
Urologists are experts in the field, and geriatric specialists are particularly trained and adept with older people’s health concerns. You should never feel like there is nothing that can be done, as there are so many options available.
We understand it can be very difficult to know how to deal with elderly incontinence. We recognise it’s a very personal problem that can feel overwhelming. But, believe us, it’s manageable. Seeking medical help is always recommended, and at Complete Care Shop we strive to provide the help and guidance – as well as the right products – to support you.
If you want to know more, view our help and advice stories and range of services. Get in touch with us today to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team about how we can help you!
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