Learn how to help an aging adult ease senior incontinence.
For aging adults, reduced bladder control, or senior incontinence, is an unsettling and sensitive issue. It can result in a number of problems, from skin sores to social isolation for individuals who are afraid to leave home in case of an “accident.” Bladder leakage affects more than 25 million Americans, and yet, the condition does not receive nearly as much attention as it needs. With the lack of communication and information about senior incontinence, many older adults and those who provide their care feel as though there is nothing that can be done about it.
However, senior incontinence is often avoidable as we get older. While many older individuals do find that their bladders may be “weak,” causing leaks, sometimes the issue has a quick and easy solution.
Below are some bladder leakage problems that can be treated:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs, also called bladder infections, lead to an overwhelming urge to pass urine. UTIs are often noticeable in younger people, but the condition can sometimes be hard to pinpoint in aging adults. If a senior presents with sudden urinary incontinence when this had not been a difficulty before, check for other warning signs that suggest a UTI, such as:
- Hallucinations
- Sudden confusion or agitation
- Poor motor skills
- Other behavioral changes
- Falls
You might also discover:
- Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
- Strong smelling urine
- Complaints of pain when urinating
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
If you think your loved one may have a UTI, the senior needs to be assessed by the doctor and have his or her urine tested. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be resolved or lessened.
Medications
There are some drugs that are commonly needed in older adults, including diuretics, that increase the level of urine produced, creating an increased urge to urinate. If your loved one is on a prescription that increases urine production, it is crucial to keep this in mind if the senior has to leave the home or is not close to a readily-available bathroom.
Mobility Loss
Incontinence can often develop as a senior begins to lose mobility. The need to urinate might come on suddenly and the older adult may not be able to get to the bathroom quickly enough. This could also be an issue in the evenings, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and arising in the middle of the night can also cause some confusion.
An assessment from one of our in home care experts can help offer recommendations for aging adults with mobility challenges.
At Endeavor In Home Care, we understand how UTIs, senior incontinence, and other aging health issues can impact quality of life. Our professional team offers in home care in Phoenix, AZ and the nearby areas that provide a wide array of home care services. Services include help with walking and transfers, incontinence care, medication reminders, bathing and grooming assistance, and more, to help your senior loved one live his or her best life. Contact us online or call us today at 480-498-2324 to learn more about our expert in home care services in Phoenix and the nearby areas.
