Incontinence might not be your senior’s favorite topic at any time of day, but it might be even more of a problem overnight. Many seniors who deal with the challenges of incontinence find that planning for overnight issues doesn’t always feel like enough. These tips might be able to help you and your elderly family member to get ahead of some of the biggest issues she faces.
Switch to More Absorbent Underwear for Nighttime
If your elderly family member is a deep sleeper, she might not wake up in time to realize that she needs the bathroom. That’s why more absorbent underwear is a good choice for overnight use. Your senior might wear pads during the day easily, but underwear can often hold more fluid, making them a better choice for overnight wear.
Consider a Waterproof Mattress Protector
To protect your senior’s mattress from overnight accidents, she might want to consider using a waterproof mattress protector. These fit right over the mattress and under the fitted sheet. In the past, this type of product used to give itself away with its plastic crinkly sounds. Newer versions aren’t as loud, which can be a lot less embarrassing for your senior overall.
Keep Extra Bedding at the Ready
Even with all of the best incontinence products available to your senior, overnight accidents can and do happen. They’re not that big a deal, especially if your senior is prepared. Keeping a spare set of bedding in a closet or in a large drawer can be a great way to make sure that they’re nearby when your elderly family member needs them most.
Make Sure it’s Easy for Your Senior to Access the Bathroom at Night
If it’s difficult or unsafe for your senior to get to the bathroom quickly, she might be more likely to experience more than one type of accident. Clear clutter from your senior’s room, especially along the path from her bed to the bathroom. It might also be a good idea to put a motion-sensing nightlight along the path, just so she can see enough to avoid obstacles.
Sometimes it is more difficult to handle the challenges of incontinence overnight, no matter how well prepared your senior is. Having elderly care providers helping overnight might be an answer for her. If she does need some extra help, there’s someone right there with her who can give her that assistance.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care in Verona, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
