Incontinence is a delicate subject in the senior community, and as a result of this, it’s become something that is laughed at in commercials, made light of, or otherwise brushed off. However, the reality of it all is nothing like this. Having trouble with toileting is a difficult thing to deal with. It can be overwhelming at times, frustrating most of the time, and it can feel like a loss of control in all parts of a senior citizen’s life. This is just what it feels like, though, and not what is actually happening.
There are somethings that can be done to help a loved one with this problem. First, make sure that toilets are more easily accessible. Sometimes seniors have trouble negotiating their way to the bathroom, and this can make an urgent situation far worse. Also, the toilet itself should be something that can be easily used and the person using it should be able to get up without difficulty. Having to ask for help each time they need to use the toilet can get frustrating, and this will only make the situation worse.
Also remember that there are sometimes simple causes and solutions to urinary incontinence. For example, many seniors have trouble “holding it” because they are not drinking enough water. This might be counterintuitive, but it happens. Really, if this is an issue, consulting with a doctor is the best approach. Sometimes it’s a simple solution, but other times it isn’t, and the guidance of a medical professional is needed. At the very least, they can double check to make sure that there are no serious medical issues at play like bladder inflammation or worse.
There are a number of different kinds of incontinence, both urinary and fecal, but what it comes down to is that there is an involuntary loss of control. Some people find that this loss of control of a small part of their lives is far more pervasive than it actually is. One part of incontinence that many people forget to take into account is the senior care portion of everything. Even though about 13 million seniors deal with this issue, it still can be an embarrassing thing to cope with. Having a loving, caring in-home caregiver helping out, one who understands how hard this can be emotionally, is a good idea. Many seniors who deal with incontinence do not need long term senior care, but many others do need it, or will soon. By finding a professional service that can help with in-home care sooner rather than later, you will be taking steps toward finding your elderly loved one the best senior care that you can get them.
If you have an elderly loved one dealing with incontinence of any sort, please see a doctor first to make sure that there are no serious illnesses that you are not sure about. They will help you come up with a guidance plan and see if in-home care or something more intensive will assist your loved one and your entire family with this.
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