Caring for an incontinent senior can be one of the most challenging things family caregivers have to do during their lives. It’s often uncomfortable for both the senior and the caregiver. The following advice may make it a little easier.
Talk Openly
If your senior loved one doesn’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia, talk to him or her about how you’re feeling. Give your loved one plenty of space to express his or her own emotions too. It often helps to start these conversations in front of a caring primary care physician or a counselor. A checkup may reveal a simple medical problem such as a urinary tract infection is causing the incontinence.
Incontinence is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. 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 service. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Consider Clothing Choices
The clothing your loved one wears can make a huge difference in whether he or she can get to the restroom in time. Consider athletic pants for men or housedresses for women so your loved one can easily get his or her clothes out of the way when he or she must use the commode.
Remove Obstacles
If there are doors or furniture located between where your loved one usually sits and the bathroom, consider rearranging the furniture in the house. Getting a bedside commode or a urinal could make it easier to go, especially at night.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a Columbia senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Consider Skin Care
Allowing your loved one to sit or lie in urine or feces for several hours can cause his or her skin to break out in a serious rash that can result in even more serious medical problems. Therefore, make sure to check for skin redness or sores on a regular basis.
Take a Break
Caring for an incontinent senior can be challenging. Give yourself a break by asking a family member or trusted friend to come in and relieve you occasionally. This gives you time to get away, even if it’s just to go to the library to get a new book or to the coffee shop for a quick cup of coffee.
Incontinence is a serious health concern that could impact your loved one’s ability to manage everyday activities independently. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of in-home care Columbia seniors can depend on. Call Assisting Hands Home Care at 443-233-1245 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
