There are two types of incontinence, Urinary Incontinence and Bowel Incontinence. Urinary Incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Bowel Incontinence is the involuntary loss of fecal matter. Urinary Incontinence is more common than Bowel Incontinence.
Incontinence is not a disease. It is a condition that can be caused by many factors, such as age, surgeries, neurological diseases, or infections. Incontinence affects persons of all ages, not just the elderly. However, loved ones with a dementing illness such as Alzheimer's may be at a higher risk to experience Incontinence.
The National Association for Continence has a wonderful web site that offers detailed information about Urinary Incontinence. If you are caring for a female loved one who is strong enough, she may be able to perform Kegel Exercises that help to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Bowel Incontinence can be common in persons with a dementing illness such as Alzheimer's. If your loved one has Alzheimer's and is experiencing Bowel Incontinence, please visit Special Care Problems: Bowel Incontinence. This page offers suggestions to caregivers as well as information about Bowel Incontinence.
Whether your loved one experiences Urinary Incontinence or Bowel Incontinence, there are many measures that caregivers can take to make it less embarrassing for their loved ones and for themselves.
1. Purchase the appropriate undergarments for your loved one. If your loved one has minor urine leakage, you may be able to just use panty liners or other feminine protections products.
2. Frequently take your loved one to the rest room, especially if he/she is consuming a lot of liquid.
3. Start a routine with your loved one. Take your loved one to the rest room after waking up, throughout the day, and before going to sleep.
4. If an accident occurs, be patient. This can be extremely embarrassing to your loved one. Don't act like they did something wrong. They didn't have the accident on purpose. And, chances are, they are more embarrassed about the situation than you.
5. Limit beverage intake before bedtime.
6. Make sure that there is enough light for your loved one to see his/her way to the bathroom if he/she should awake during the night. If your loved one wakes up to darkness, they may be afraid to walk to the bathroom alone. You can put night lights in the bathroom, in the hallway, or in their bedroom.
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