Urinary incontinence can be embarrassing for your elderly loved one. They may not even want to tell you they have this condition. However, if you can get your elderly loved one to open up to you and let you know they are experiencing urinary incontinence, you can help them. You can start by learning more about the different kinds of urinary incontinence. After learning what type your elderly loved one has, you can find the best ways to help them handle their condition.
Functional Urinary Incontinence
One of the kinds of urinary incontinence is called functional incontinence. This is common in elderly adults. If your elderly loved one has a functioning and healthy bladder, but they have issues with mobility, they may not be able to make it to the bathroom in time. This is where their incontinence comes in. If this is what is happening for your elderly loved one, just getting a commode in their bedroom could help them to use the bathroom without having accidents.
Overflow Incontinence
This kind of incontinence happens if someone’s bladder is full all the time because they can’t empty it. Some of their urine might leak out because of their full bladder. Many elderly men who have prostate issues also have overflow incontinence. This might be the reason your elderly loved one has incontinence. If that sounds like the case, be sure that you or a home care provider takes your elderly loved one to the doctor to get a diagnosis.
Urgency Incontinence
Many elderly adults have urgency incontinence. This happens if they need to suddenly go to the bathroom to urinate. They can’t hold it for long, so they have an accident. If your elderly loved one’s ability to hold their urine is compromised, they may have urgency incontinence. Many people who have Parkison’s disease, MS, or diabetes will also have urgency incontinence. If your elderly loved one has these conditions and they start experiencing incontinence, they may have urgency incontinence.
Conclusion
These are some of the different kinds of incontinence. If your elderly loved one has started experiencing incontinence, then you should have them see their doctor. After a certain type of incontinence is diagnosed, you and their home care providers can help to manage the condition. It might include someone bringing a commode into your elderly loved one’s bedroom at night. Your elderly loved one might also need surgery or medications, as well. Regardless of the condition, be sure to let your elderly loved one know you understand it isn’t their fault. Do your best not to make them feel more ashamed than they already do.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
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