Caring for an elderly loved one brings a unique set of challenges. One of these issues might include having to help your loved one manage incontinence. A few simple tips may make life easier for you and your elderly parent.
Seek Medical Advice
When your loved one begins losing bladder or bowel control, consider a visit with a healthcare provider to determine the cause. The problem may be corrected with dietary alterations, medication, or certain surgical procedures.
If your loved one needs help managing incontinence or another health concern, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Talk to Your Loved One
When older adults experience incontinence, they may retreat into denial of the situation from embarrassment. Appeal to your loved one’s dignity, concern for hygiene, and vanity to gently convince him or her that the need to wear protection outweighs the embarrassment.
Choose Adequate Protection
There’s a wide selection of incontinence products available that fit many different needs and circumstances. Discreet pads are applied to the inside of underwear to guard against minor mishaps. Protective underwear or full-sized disposable briefs eliminate embarrassment when seniors no longer have control over their bladder or bowels. Reusable waterproof pads on beds or other furnishings can prevent expensive cleaning costs.
Clear the Path
As loved ones age, vision and mobility may become impaired, which may cause apprehension when traveling from one room to another. In the home, make sure the paths between the bathroom and frequented locations remain free of obstacles. In public, scout out and locate restrooms in advance to avoid delays and accidents.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Frederick, live-in care is available around the clock if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Customize a Bathroom Schedule
Scheduling regular bathroom breaks can alleviate bladder and bowel control issues while simultaneously training your loved one’s bladder to stick to a schedule. Encourage toilet use every two hours or so and monitor the success. Setting the alarm on a wristwatch to vibrate at predetermined times serves as a gentle and dignified reminder to use the toilet. Loved ones who are cognitively impaired might need more direct encouragement or accompaniment to the bathroom.
Older adults living with incontinence or other age-related issues can benefit from professional in-home care. Homecare services professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
