Incontinence, or reduced bladder control, is a distressing and delicate issue, particularly for seniors. It can cause a variety of problems, from skin sores to social reclusiveness for individuals who are nervous about leaving home in case of an “accident.” But while bladder leakage causes more than 25 million people in America to suffer with difficulties, the problem hardly ever receives the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of communication and information about elderly incontinence, many seniors and those who provide their care feel as though there’s nothing that can be done about it.
Nevertheless, senior incontinence is not unavoidable as people age. While many seniors do find that their bladders may be “weak,” resulting in leaks, sometimes the problem has a simple solution.
Below are some bladder leakage problems that can be treated:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs, also called bladder infections, lead to an overwhelming need to pass urine. In younger people, this sensation is noticeable, but it isn’t always as recognizable for older individuals. If a senior complains of sudden urinary incontinence when this had not been a difficulty before, look for other indicators that suggest a UTI, such as:
- Sudden confusion or agitation
- Hallucinations
- Other behavioral changes
- Poor motor skills
- Falls
You might also find:
- Strong smelling urine
- Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
- Fever
- Complaints of pain when urinating
- Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
- Night sweats
If you think your loved one may have a UTI, the older adult needs to be assessed by the doctor and have his or her urine analyzed. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be remedied or lessened.
Mobility loss
As mobility diminishes, incontinence can become an issue. The need to urinate may come on abruptly and the older person may not be able to get to the bathroom fast enough. This could also be a problem in the evenings, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and getting up in the middle of the night can also create some confusion.
For older individuals with mobility issues, an in-home assessment from one of our in-home care professionals can help offer suggestions.
Medications
Certain drugs, like diuretics, increase the level of urine produced, triggering an increased urge to urinate. If your loved one is on a prescription that boosts urine production, it is important to keep this in mind whenever the senior has to leave the house or is not nearby an available bathroom.
At Effraim Home Care, we understand how UTIs, senior incontinence, and other senior health issues can influence quality of life. Our professional senior care in Bryn Mawr provides a wide variety of home care services in several Pennsylvania communities, including ambulation and toileting assistance, medication reminders, bathing and grooming assistance, and more, to help your older loved one live his or her best life. Reach out to us today at (215) 826-7422 to learn more about our expert in home care in Bryn Mawr and the surrounding communities.
Comments are closed.