Living with incontinent parents can be challenging. You have to understand what they are going through and offer needed support to alleviate any feelings of worthlessness. Sometimes you may need to take them to a doctor for routine check-up, or create a toilet schedule that works best for the type of incontinence they had been diagnosed with. If you have never dealt with a similar situation in the past it might be tougher for you to help your aging parent manage his/her frequent and uncontrollable urination.
As you will find out, urinary incontinence can be a distressing condition. The typical symptoms include involuntary release of urine, inability to reach a toilet in time, leaking small to moderate amount of urine several times a day, and frequent/sudden uncontrollable need to urinate. Often, incontinent people feel they did not only lose bladder control but also their confidence to carry on with their lives.
If you have a parent with urinary incontinence it would be prudent to know some of the practical measures you can take to help him/her live life smoother and easier despite his/her bladder problem.
1. Get your parent to wear accessible clothing
For aging parents with urinary incontinence, choosing the right clothes for them to wear can greatly help when the urge to urinate arises. An elderly woman will find it easier to strip down stockings than tights. The same goes for full skirts than tight pants. For incontinent men, boxer shorts would make a better alternative to Y-front underwear. If possible, avoid too much layering as this could get in the way when the time to use the toilet comes. There are a handful of adaptive clothes you can check out that are specially designed for individuals with bladder problems.
2. Get alternatives to the toilet
There will always come a time when your loved one passes urine without making it to the toilet in time. Preparation is key to prevent this from happening. You can assign a commode, a hand-held urinal, or a bedpan to your parent’s room so that s/he does not need to hurry to the bathroom to release urine.
3. Stock enough absorbent pads and protective garments
This is especially helpful when going on long journeys. Many of these products are lighter than usual underwear which makes them easier and more comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Adult diapers can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, online stores, and medical supplies shops. There are also available plastic pants which protect from mild to moderate urinary incontinence leaks.
4. Make the toilet environment safe
Keep the toilet location well lighted to avoid accidents. Remove objects that can cause your incontinent parent to trip over or fall. Installing an elevated toilet seat would be a good idea, too, as it will be easier for your loved one to sit down when experiencing stiff hips.
5. Invest on essential living aids
For those with walking difficulty, reaching the toilet can be quite inconvenient. So you might consider getting your loved one a walking aid or a stair lift. These products are ideal for preventing untoward accidents when your loved one feels the need to go.
Read more at >> How to Make Life Easier for Parents with Urinary Incontinence
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