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<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis article is evidence-based, verified by\u00a0Dr. Ahmed Zayed<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, you can help manage incontinence<\/a> for the elderly in the following ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each of these ways to manage incontinence<\/a> has been discussed in detail below. These methods are easy to follow and can go a long way to helping your loved ones! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Make sure that you and the elderly person have open and honest communication with each other. You must encourage the patient to tell you whenever he\/she needs to use the toilet so that you can come and help them. Some ways to ensure open communication are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining open communication becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. However, it’s one of the most vital ways to manage incontinence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the best ways to manage incontinence is by ensuring that the patient can reach the toilet easily<\/a> whenever they need to. Patients of dementia<\/a> have a difficult time with day-to-day brain functions, so everyday tasks are difficult for them. This means you’ll have to take a few extra steps to make bathrooms accessible. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a> to the toilet. Remove anything that the patient may trip over. <\/li>Other than making sure that the path to the toilet is accessible, you can also make sure that the patient can use the bathroom easily. For example, by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain foods can increase the chances of incontinence in the elderly with dementia. While incontinence is a possible side-effect of dementia, a healthy diet can definitely strengthen bladder control and reduce the chances of accidents happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure that elderly patient of dementia: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to these dietary changes, try to get the patient to exercise daily. This exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous; a short walk in the garden every day will also suffice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If incontinence gets out of control, then it\u2019s a good idea to start using aids, such as absorbent products<\/a>. These can include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do begin to use any of these products, you must be very careful to change them regularly and keep the patient clean. These products expose the patient to moisture, which can cause a number of skin problems and could lead to infection. However, keeping the skin clean by using a cleanser and using powder to prevent overexposure to moisture are two easy ways of ensuring the skin stays safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, the use of aids should be a last resort. Not only do they create skin problems, but they also motivate the patient to stop exercising any control over their bladder. Using aids can also be embarrassing for the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we said before, incontinence comes with feelings of shame and embarrassment. It\u2019s no easy task to deal with, for you or the patient. Maintaining a good relationship between you and your loved one is vital if you want them to listen to you and follow your steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, here are some things you should avoid when dealing with an elderly dementia patient with inconsistency: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While managing incontinence<\/a> is not easy, it’s definitely possible as long as you’re patient and follows the steps we’ve mentioned above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
