As we age, our bodies change in many ways, and one of the most common issues faced by elderly individuals is incontinence.
It can be a difficult topic to discuss, but it’s important to address it in a caring and supportive way.
Coping with incontinence can be challenging, but with the right products and management strategies, you can take steps towards relieving your symptoms.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of incontinence and their causes, and most importantly, we will provide practical tips on how to deal with elderly incontinence and how to minimise the effect of it in your day-to-day life.
What Is Elderly Incontinence?
At it’s simplest, elderly incontinence is a loss of bladder or bowel control in older adults. Various factors can cause it, such as weakened muscles due to ageing and/or certain medical conditions and medications.
Incontinence can manifest in different ways, such as leakage, sudden urges to urinate or defecate, or complete loss of control. It is a surprisingly common problem among older adults, but that doesn’t make it any less distressing or frustrating.
However, many options are available to help you deal with incontinence and allow you to get back to doing what you enjoy.
Medical Help For Elderly Incontinence
If incontinence is taking a significant toll on your life, you should first consult a medical professional for advice on what may be causing it.
The treatment of elderly incontinence depends on the underlying cause. A doctor can assess your symptoms and decide on the best course of action, as treatments may vary for different patients.
Lifestyle changes such as reducing fluid consumption and avoiding certain drinks like caffeine or alcohol can help reduce symptoms in some cases.
In addition, certain medications are available that target bladder control problems due to ageing. These drugs act by calming overactive nerves in the bladder and relaxing muscles responsible for controlling urine flow.
Surgery is also a potential option if other treatments fail, but this should only be considered after careful consideration with a doctor since, like any surgery, it carries risks.
Doctors often advise you to look for ways to manage incontinence symptoms at home, and the good news is that this is now easier to do than ever – with a range of simple, non-invasive solutions available.
Incontinence Management Products
Different incontinence management products offer different levels of protection. It is best to ensure you look at all the options and choose something that meets your needs and requirements. Some of the most popular products include:
Incontinence Pads & Briefs
Probably the most commonly used incontinence management products are pads. These either line the bottom of your underwear to prevent leakage or wrap around your body like underwear to offer higher levels of protection. These are sometimes known as incontinence briefs due to their shape, but can also be described as slips or pull-ons.
Single-use and washable products are both available. For long-term issues, washable products are likely to be more cost-effective; however, disposable options may prove more convenient.
Underpads & Bed Pads
Incontinence underpads and bed pads are waterproof pads that can be placed on chairs, beds or other surfaces to prevent any leaks from getting into the fabric. They have an absorbent layer that helps wick away the moisture and leave the surface clean. People may use these to protect against unexpected leaks or in addition to pads or briefs for extra piece of mind.
Portable Urinals
A portable urinal can be a helpful product for managing incontinence. They are primarily designed for men, offering an easy way to collect urine when you can’t reach the bathroom. They come with a leak proof seal so urine can be collected and disposed of properly without any leakage.
Odour Control & Hygiene Products
Sprays, powders, wipes and deodorisers are also options. These help to manage and reduce the odour associated with incontinence and can make you feel more confident when out and about, allowing you to go about your daily life without anxiety.
Get An Incontinence Management Plan With Thistle Help
If you, or someone you care for, is struggling with incontinence, an incontinence management plan can help you see helpful steps forward and dispel the taboo of something that affects 300 million people worldwide.
A management plan helps you to find the best way to deal with elderly incontinence, whether it is something as simple as using pads or incontinence briefs or a more long-term plan extending to purchasing bathroom aids such as a commode or a profiling bed to aid with mobility.
Thistle Help has a wealth of experience helping people deal with elderly incontinence in a way which offers the comfort, convenience and confidence that will get you back to enjoying your day as usual.
To find out more about our incontinence management products, and to speak to a member of our expert team about what you might need, get in touch with us today.
Recent Comments