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Managing Incontinence in People with Dementia

dementia and incontinence

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*This post is sponsored by Aeroflow Urology. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Managing incontinence is a common challenge dementia caregivers are faced with. There might be many reasons for this, including a general deterioration in cognitive capacity, which makes the problem even harder to manage. Begin by taking your loved one to the doctor for a medical examination, as incontinence may be caused by a medical issue, such as urinary infections or an enlarged prostate, and medication side effects. The abrupt development of incontinence might indicate that medical conditions may be a contributing factor.

Incontinence

Incontinence in those living with dementia may be extremely upsetting and place a significant burden on caregivers. This article will look at some of the reasons/causes for incontinence, how to keep the bladder and bowels healthy, tips on managing incontinence, types of incontinence products by TENA, and a service called Aeroflow Urology that will help you see if your loved one qualifies for free* incontinence products.

Incontinence refers to unintentional urination or defecation. Any involuntary or unintentional leakage of urine or feces is referred to as incontinence. The level of incontinence can vary from person to person. This can range from a little leakage to full leakage. There are also different types of incontinence the person with dementia can develop. The most common type of incontinence I see in those with dementia is a type called functional incontinence. This is when the person experiences loss of bowel and and bladder control, impacting their ability to get to the bathroom in time. Cognitive impairments and/or environmental barriers typically play a major role in the development of functional incontinence. They are not able to recognize their urge to go, unable to communicate their requirements, demonstrating difficulty with reaching the toilet, along with recalling steps involved in toileting.

Causes

Incontinence in your loved one living with dementia can be due to the following:

  • Not being able to find the bathroom
  • Communication problems
  • Not being able to get to the restroom in time
  • Lack of mobility

Accidents might result in feelings of humiliation and depression in some cases.

Medical Causes

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Constipation
  • Neurological complications
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Vaginitis
  • Prolapse
  • Side-effects of medications

How to Keep Bladders and Bowels Healthy?

Some reasons for incontinence are curable, such as a urinary tract infection or constipation. Thus any incontinence should be checked by a doctor.

Following things may be done to maintain the bladder and bowels healthy and decrease the effects of incontinence:

  • Drinking enough water can help patients avoid constipation and UTI.
  • Consuming a proper diet consisting of fruits and vegetables and whole grains every day. Multigrain cereals, wholemeal bread, pulses (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, and leafy vegetables are all good sources of fiber.

When Does Incontinence Become a Problem in Dementia?

Patients in the middle stages of dementia commonly experience worsening disorientation, even in familiar situations, and are more likely to become confused while doing multi-step activities.

A loved one with Alzheimer’s disease may lose track of where the bathroom is in their house, what the toilet is for, and how to properly toilet. This can lead to someone living with dementia not being able to find and use the bathroom on time, having difficulty removing and putting on clothing, urinating and defecating in places other than just the toilet, and ignoring personal hygiene.

All through the middle stage of the illness, even with greater support and supervision, cognitive and functional deficits lead toileting issues to deteriorate.

As the person living with dementia’s impairment worsens, little mishaps gradually lead to a complete loss of bowel and bladder control that is unrelated to toileting problems. The decreased awareness to adapt to one’s environment, to communicate/identify needs, and regulate actions are symptoms of the middle to late stages of dementia. Patients with advanced dementia become fully reliant on someone else for their toileting tasks.

Many dementia caregivers consider incontinence to be one of the most difficult concerns to cope with. Seek medical help as soon as you see indications of incontinence to rule out any treatable reasons for bladder/bowel control problems, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), drug side effects, or constipation. If there is no reversible reason, use the following tips at home, which can help with toileting difficulties and incontinence.

Tips to Manage Incontinence in Persons Living with Dementia

Tips to Manage Incontinence in Persons Living with Dementia

Now that you understand more about incontinence, here are the important tips to manage it:

1. Improve the Bathroom’s Visibility and Accessibility

Enable a dementia patient to locate the restroom quickly and easily by keeping the door open and the light on. Consider putting a picture of the bathroom on the door to help people remember where it is located.

2. Increase Bathroom Safety

Because it is difficult for seniors with mobility issues to move fast, they may not be able to get to the bathroom in time. Fears and doubts occur as a result of cognitive difficulties. Consider any changes or adjustments that may be required to avoid potentially stressful or harmful situations. Is there a nightlight in the bathroom? Are there any potential hazards on the floors? Keep the space free of clutter and distractions.

3. Consider Adaptive Clothing

If a patient’s ability to remove their clothes becomes more difficulty because of buttons or zippers, try purchasing trousers with elasticized waistbands or easier-to-use closures like Velcro or snap buttons.

4. Increase the Visibility of the Commode

To enhance “aim,” use a toilet bowl cleaner that colors the water and a toilet seat that illuminates the bowl. Remove any trash baskets or other items that your loved one could mistake for a toilet. To avoid messes caused by limited eyesight, adult males may choose to sit when peeing.

5. Assist them with the Process

Provide easy, clear instructions on how to go about going to the toilet. Creating instructional signs has been proven to be effective for dementia caregivers (depending on what stage of dementia they are in, of course). Those who can still process what they read may find simple instructions to flush the toilet or wash their hands with informative visuals useful.

6. Ensuring Timely Visits to the Bathroom

Caregivers must be vigilant in scheduling trips to the toilet when those living with dementia are unable to effectivity communicate the need to urinate or have a bowel movement. Keep an eye out for nonverbal indications that indicate the desire to use the restroom. Encourage your loved ones to use the bathroom when they first wake up, after every meal, and before bed. Toilet visits at regular intervals during the day may also assist in reducing accidents.

7. Use Incontinence Briefs Instead of Undergarments

Seniors who are hesitant to use incontinence products may be astonished by the developments in incontinence supplies. Disposable briefs come in a variety of designs that mimic underwear and provide a pleasant fit and leak prevention. Absorbency is vital for preserving skin health and promoting personal hygiene. Below, we will discuss more about Aeroflow Urology, who can assist with the process to see if your loved one qualifies for free* incontinence products.

8. Use Absorbent Pads and a Waterproof Mattress Cover

A water-resistant mattress cover will keep your mattress clean, while big bed pads will protect your bedding, other furnishings, and even your vehicle seats. Incontinence pads, disposable or washable/reusable, can be found in multiple sizes. If nighttime accidents are a problem, talk to the doctor regarding an Occupational Therapist referral to see if they would recommend a bedside commode near the bed for easy toileting.

9. Maintain Dignity

Patience, understanding, and a dedication to protecting your loved one’s dignity are essential parts of incontinence care. When it comes to giving incontinence care to an elderly parent, family caregivers often draw the line. As dementia progresses, a loved one’s requirements may become too severe to be fulfilled securely and comfortably at home.

10. Incontinence During the Night

Many elderly folks have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. This is due to a variety of factors. First, as we age, our bladders grow less elastic and hold less urine, necessitating more frequent trips to the bathroom. Another explanation is that as we become older, our bodies produce more urine at night than during the day. If you find your loved one waking up often at night, one of the incontinence aids can be a good option for them.

Aeroflow Urology Process to Help Someone with Incontinence

Aeroflow Urology is a subsidiary of Aeroflow Healthcare, a durable medical equipment company that has been in business for 20 years. At Aeroflow Urology, they help those who suffer from incontinence obtain the continence care products they need through their insurance benefits. They offer a wide selection of high-quality products to suit a variety of needs and ship supplies in discreet packaging directly to you or your loved ones door each month.

Did you know there is a high likelihood that your loved one’s insurance covers most if not all the cost of incontinence supplies? Purchasing incontinence products out of pocket each month can be costly and it can be time consuming when caring for your loved one.

Aeroflow Urology offers a simple process where they help you every step of the way. Navigating insurance can be very confusing, but Aeroflow has a simple process where they help you through this process. They offer a step by step support that helps you determine your loved one’s coverage of incontinence care, providing you with a curated selection of medical grade products that are available through your specific insurance plan, and shipping your loved one’s products directly to your home on a monthly basis! Make sure to fill out this quick form. Keep in mind that coverage depends on specific state insurance guidelines and benefits.

TENA Incontinence Products

TENA Incontinence Products

Aeroflow offers a wide assortment of high-quality products from leading brands like TENA to help with your loved one’s incontinence needs. TENA provides a variety of medical-grade incontinence products that caregivers can depend on. Some of the products they offer include bladder control pads & protective under and briefs, depending on the your loved one’s needs. Bladder control pads are most appropriate for lighter episodes of leakage, whereas, protective underwear and briefs would be most appropriate for moderate to heavy incontinence.

Aeroflow also provides product samples and access to a Continence Care Specialist who can assist in product sizing, needs, and other support.

TENA Intimates Bladder Control Pads are offered in 6 levels of absorbency. They are absorbent, and quick drying to keep you comfortable.

TENA ProSkin Protective Underwear

Mary recommends TENA ProSkin Protective Underwear to help with incontinence

TENA ProSkin Protective Underwear for Women is designed for women to provide moderate to heavy protection. I like that they look and feel more like real underwear and come in this nice neutral cream color.

TENA Dry Comfort Protective Underwear

TENA Dry Comfort Protective Underwear to help with incontinence


TENA Dry Comfort Protective Underwear provides moderate to heavy protection. They include a soft elastic waist that is comfortable for the wearer. The sides are easy to tear away, which can make changing the product quicker and easier.

Final Thoughts

Caring for others is both gratifying and difficult. One of the more challenging areas of caring for many individuals is managing incontinence. It’s vital to remember, though, that you can assist someone in managing their condition. Incontinence in adults with dementia can be reduced by utilizing some of the strategies I mentioned in this article.

Incontinence may be a perplexing and upsetting experience for those living with dementia. They are likely to be humiliated, ashamed, and furious as a result of their circumstances. When caring for somebody with dementia and incontinence, empathy and compassion are vital. From an early age, we are trained to recognize when we have to go to the toilet, therefore it is natural and normal for them to experience all of these feelings.

Aeroflow Urology is a great service to familiarize yourself with when caring for a loved one who suffers from incontinence. They can help you determine if your loved one qualifies for free* incontinence products through their insurance. Incontinence products can be costly, and Aeroflow Urology can help you navigate the process from start to finish. They also include brands like TENA that provide high quality, medical grade incontinence products to fit your loved ones needs.

References:

1 – https://www.agingcare.com/articles/dementia-and-incontinence-458588.htm

2 – https://myhometouch.com/articles/managing-incontinence-in-people-with-dementia

3 – https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/continence/maintaining-continence-in-people-with-dementia-05-07-2013/

4 – https://www.wehelpcaregivers.com/news/managing-incontinence-dementia/

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