As a professional in-home care provider, we’re sharing our top tips for managing incontinence care.
It is not something most of us would feel comfortable revealing to others. The truth is, the awkwardness of even bringing up incontinence can be enough to keep the problem concealed. Not only that, but there is a common incorrect assumption that it’s simply a normal part of aging and needs to be quietly accepted and dealt with. Yet the reality is, fifty percent of all older adults struggle with incontinence to varying degrees for multiple reasons, some of which are treatable. This makes it important to bring the topic to light in order to manage or even overcome it.
How Can You Help With Managing Incontinence Care?
As a caregiver for a loved one with incontinence, there are some things you can do to help, starting with scheduling a visit to the doctor’s office. The physician can test for a urinary tract infection or other conditions that, once treated, can eradicate the issue. The following are some other ways to support the person:
- Explore mattress and furniture protectors. Absorbent padding on the bed and waterproof covers for other furniture makes cleanup a lot easier.
- Modify the menu. Certain foods are known to trigger or worsen symptoms of incontinence. Reduce or remove spicy foods, tomatoes, acidic fruits, sugar, chocolate, carbonated and caffeinated drinks and alcohol from the individual’s diet.
- Make sure the person stays hydrated. Interestingly, not drinking enough fluids can worsen problems with incontinence. Scheduling trips to the bathroom every one or two hours, whether they feel the urge to urinate or not, is a great way to deal with the consumption of sufficient fluids.
- Consider clothing choices. Think through which types of clothing support easy accessibility to use the restroom, such as pants with elastic waistbands rather than those with zippers and buttons. Clothes made of materials that are easier to clean and less likely to stain are important as well.
- Keep your cool. It is common to feel annoyed by the additional work incontinence can cause a family caregiver. However, keep in mind it’s not within the person’s control, and they probably already feel stressed about the condition. A calm, kind response to an accident could go a long way towards alleviating a stressful event for you both.
How In-Home Care Can Help
An in-home caregiver from Live Free Home Health Care is a wonderful addition to your incontinence care toolbox! All of our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing respectful, discreet care for older loved ones living with incontinence, always protecting the person’s dignity. We can assist with:
- Personal hygiene
- Laundry and light housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Meal prep that’s suitable for someone with incontinence
- Friendly, understanding, and compassionate companionship
- And much more
Contact us online or call us at 603-217-0149 for more information on how our home care services in Tilton, New Hampton, Concord, and the surrounding communities can help someone you love better manage incontinence or any other challenges.