Four Strategies to Help Older Adults Cope With Incontinence
Incontinence refers to the inability to control one’s bowel movements or bladder. Often referred to as bladder leakage, urinary incontinence affects a quarter to a third of the U.S. adult population. The exact number is difficult to pinpoint because many people who suffer from urinary incontinence fail to report their symptoms due to embarrassment.
Incontinence can affect an older adult’s emotional, psychological, and social life. Some fear they will have an accident in public, so they avoid leaving home altogether. Others simply suffer in silence, thinking that incontinence is a symptom of older age.
Fortunately, there are ways older adults can cope with incontinence so that it doesn’t hold them back from their everyday life. If you are an older adult who struggles with bladder leakage, here are four strategies to help you cope.
Talk With Your Doctor
The first strategy to help older adults cope with incontinence is to have a candid conversation with their doctor. Yes, it can be embarrassing to admit to your doctor that you can’t seem to get to the bathroom in time. Yet, if you think about it, there’s really no good reason to be embarrassed by the condition. Doctors have seen and heard it all, and they’re really there to help you. Think of it as any other medical condition that might bring you into the doctor’s office. Once your doctor is aware of your situation, he or she can provide valuable insight and prescribe medications as needed. Your doctor can also discuss other incontinence management options with you, such as indwelling catheters or intermittent catheterization.
Keep Records
Another coping strategy is to keep a record of your fluid intake and episodes of incontinence. Jot down what you’re drinking, the time, and how many ounces you’ve consumed. When you experience incontinence, note the time. Keep track of successful bathroom trips as well. After a week or two, observe patterns. Do you struggle the most after consuming a cup of coffee? Is the afternoon or evening worse for you or better? If you notice any patterns, you can plan your day around expected episodes of incontinence or eliminate certain beverages that may be causing your incontinence.
Use the Bathroom More Frequently
It might sound simple but using the bathroom more frequently throughout the day can help older adults cope with incontinence. Timing when you urinate can help you gain more control over your bladder. Set a schedule to urinate every hour or hour and half. As you have more success with this strategy, you can extend the time between trips to the bathroom. Always use the bathroom before you leave home and avoid drinking too many fluids before an outing.
Purchase Incontinence Products
A final strategy is to purchase incontinence products. Fortunately, there are a variety of absorbent products to meet specific incontinence needs. For those who struggle with an occasional leak, there are pads or liners that adhere to your underwear. If you suffer from incontinence, disposable briefs that absorb and hold more urine can give you the confidence you need to leave home. You can even find reusable, washable incontinence pads or underwear for those who prefer a more eco-friendly product.
Another strategy to help older adults cope with incontinence is to partner with Visiting Angels Punta Gorda. Our dedicated and reliable caregivers have helped thousands of older adults live safely and comfortably in their own home, while providing their families with peace of mind. Our caregivers can even escort you on errands, giving you confidence that you’ll have help to get to the restroom in time if needed. Don’t wait any longer to start receiving the care and support that you need. Contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Charlotte County or 239-226-1620 Lee County.