As people get old, they tend to develop issues that affect their quality of life. One of the common challenges most older adults face is incontinence. The bladder tends to get weaker and loses its ability to hold urine. In some serious cases, incontinence also affects the stool.
Consequently, much older adults have problems controlling their stool and fecal matter, which is unhygienic and could also cause people to shy away from them. Rather than seclude and stigmatize them, finding them the right kind of help is best. Having a caregiver assist them is also a plus. However, there are a few more things you could do to ensure they have a better quality of life and enhance their self-confidence.
- Talk to Them About Getting Help
Incontinence is not an easy topic, especially when seniors feel their life has been disrupted because of their medical condition. Fortunately, it is not an impossible subject to bring up. Just be sure you are doing this from the point of concern and care since they can see it.
It is always better to ask them how you can help improve their lives and if they want external help. This is the best way to introduce any help to seniors to avoid making them feel dependent. Most seniors fear losing their independence in totality. Discuss the available options and let them choose what they prefer.
- Supply Sufficient Diapers
Incontinence can be challenging, but it is not impossible to fix. While medical help is great and can help rectify the problem to some extent, it is also essential to manage the issue while at it. The best way to do this is to emphasize hygienic practices, which include cleaning and controlling the release of urine.
Thankfully, the invention of diapers makes this easier on seniors and their caregivers. There is no need to constantly wash and change the bedding when one can easily use more accessible and hygienic diapers. There are different types of diapers, mainly disposable and reusable ones. Reusable diapers can be used for urine waste, but disposable ones are advised for fecal and urine waste.
- Have a Doctor’s Appointment and Check Up Regularly
One of the best ways to reassure your elderly parents that they will be okay despite their incontinence is to have a professional visit them and check on them regularly. They can be taught how to manage the condition if it is not treatable. Sometimes a change in nutrition can make a huge difference.
The doctor can also help with their mental wellness since this condition can take a toll on them. Let them be reassured that there is nothing wrong and that the condition is pretty normal or expected as one ages. You can even encourage them to get out there again and enjoy life with their mates if they have chosen to remain indoors.
- Have Someone with Them Always
If they don’t mind a little help once in a while, you can hire a helper to be around the house. These individuals can help with chores and assist in case of emergencies. Please don’t push help on them as this can lead to stress and worsen whatever they are going through.
Gradually sell the idea of having help as a positive way to cope with life issues as age advances. The idea is to bring them on board and not force issues. Gradually, they may see the need to take a laid-back approach to things and focus on their health. When they are more relaxed, they can manage their incontinence challenge better. Sometimes the help doesn’t have to be direct.
- Improve their Toilet if Needed
Incontinence makes it challenging to handle urine. This can be compounded if the bathroom is far from your parents’ room. You can consider remodeling projects and having a bathroom close to them.
Ensure the toilet is also straightforward and comfortable so they can go as often as needed. Slowly, have the doctor train them on proper toileting as they learn to handle incontinence. You may have to be very patient with them since this is a re-learning process, and it can be challenging to retrain the bladder to hold the waste a little longer.
- Encourage them to Work Out.
While you should never push them to enroll in a gym and get onto the heavy lifting, a little workout goes a long way. Explain the benefits of a simple workout routine on their overall health and ensure they are willing to try it.
Urge them to talk during the evening or early morning strolls. They should also be willing to spend more time outdoors. The fresh air can help with their mental well-being. Gradually you may notice a big change in your parents’ life if they embrace these little changes.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with incontinence in seniors can be cumbersome. You have to work on both your physical and mental well-being. It can be stressful for an adult used to handling their own business to become Depend suddenly. This can discourage many and take away their zeal for life. Rather than give up, try to cheer them up by doing whatever possible to help.
