Helping a Senior Parent with Incontinence
If an aging parent starts to struggle with incontinence, it can be utterly uncomfortable for everyone involved.
They may try to ignore the issue out of embarrassment, or they may not realize the extent of the problem. However, uncontrolled incontinence is a major issue that impacts a senior’s dignity, sanitation and health. Although it might feel awkward, it’s important to address the issue head on.
Talk with Your Parent About It
In most cases it is a good idea to talk about your concerns about incontinence openly with your parent.
Find a quiet time where the discussion can be held privately. Remember to protect their dignity and be sensitive, while at the same time being direct. Always speak with respect.
Outline your concerns about their dignity, their social life, their sanitation or their health. Even more important than talking – be sure to listen to what they have to say.
What are Their Challenges and Barriers?
What is contributing to the problem, from their point of view? Are they aware of the problem? Other details for discussion could include:
- Do they know how to manage the incontinence?
- Do they know what kind of supplies are available and how to obtain them?
- Are they concerned about affording incontinence supplies?
- What has their doctor recommended?
- Are they aware of treatment options?
There are some occasions in which the person will not accept this type of communication from their child – even if that child is a grown, respected adult.
If your parent refuses to hear the information from you, it may be better not to push the issue. It may be better received coming from the doctor, or a professional senior care provider.
Medical Causes of Incontinence
There are many causes of incontinence. Most of them are tied to medical conditions. The doctor can often make changes to medications or recommend treatments that can help the problem.
Functional Incontinence
When elders have conditions that cause them pain or difficulty moving it can be challenging to get to the bathroom on time. This is a major cause of incontinence. It is known as functional incontinence.
Incontinence Must be Addressed
Incontinence is one of the top causes for elders to have to move from their own home into a long-term care facility. Incontinence can cause or contribute to unsanitary living conditions and many detrimental health problems, including:
- Skin rashes
- Pressure ulcers
- Infections
- Social Withdrawal
- Reduction in activity, which can lead to weakness, depression or other decline
Consult a Professional Senior Care Provider
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be hard to address incontinence. Always talk to the doctor first. There may be simple treatments that can reverse or greatly minimize the problem.
Even if the doctor can’t completely resolve the incontinence, there are simple ways to manage it. It just takes the right combination of supplies and support. There are many available, so it may take a little investigation and experimentation to find the right combination of supplies and strategies for each individual senior.
One easy way to speed up the experimentation stage is to consult a professional senior care provider. Senior care providers go directly into the homes of the elderly. They help elders manage incontinence and other challenges of aging in order to retain their independence.
Senior care aides can provide as much or little care as each individual senior prefers, on a customized schedule ranging from a few hours a week to 24 hours per day.
Sources:
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
- https://www.nafc.org/facility-care
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care Services in Forsyth GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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