Incontinence, or a loss of bladder control, is a disturbing and sensitive issue, particularly for older individuals. Incontinence in seniors can cause a variety of other concerns, including skin sores and even social reclusiveness for people who have anxiety over leaving the home in case of an “accident.” Yet while bladder leakage causes as many as 25 million Americans to struggle with complications, the problem hardly ever receives the attention and conversation it needs. There is not a lot of communication or information about incontinence in seniors, and that can leave aging adults and those who care for them feeling helpless.
Nonetheless, incontinence in seniors is not inevitable as we age. Although some aging adults do find that their bladders may have grown “weaker” over time, causing leaks, there are effective solutions in some cases.
Following are just a few causes of bladder leakage that can be treated:
Loss of mobility
As mobility reduces, incontinence can come to be an issue. Sometimes, the need to urinate may strike suddenly and unexpectedly, and the aging adult may not be able to reach the bathroom in time. This could also be an issue in the evenings, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and awakening in the middle of the night can also create some confusion.
For older individuals with mobility issues, an in-home assessment from one of our home care experts can help offer recommendations.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs, also known as bladder infections, cause an overwhelming need to pass urine. In younger people, this feeling is noticeable, but it isn’t always as evident for older individuals. If a senior presents with sudden urinary incontinence when this was not a difficulty before, look for other warning signs that suggest a UTI, such as:
- Hallucinations
- Sudden confusion or agitation
- Poor motor skills
- Other behavioral changes
- Falls
You might also discover:
- Strong smelling urine
- Fever
- Complaints of pain when urinating
- Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
- Night sweats
- Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
If a loved one is showing signs of a UTI, the aging adult needs to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be resolved or lessened.
Medications
Certain drugs, like diuretics, boost the level of urine produced, causing an increased urge to urinate. If a loved one has been prescribed a medication that increases urine production, it is important to keep this in mind if the person has to leave the house or is not close to a bathroom.
At Heaven at Home, the top Denton home health agency and provider of care in the nearby areas, we understand how UTIs, incontinence in seniors, and other aging health issues can impact quality of life. Our highly trained Denton senior care team provides a wide array of home care services, including mobility and help with using the restroom, medication reminders, bathing and grooming assistance, and more, to help your older loved one live his or her best life. Contact us online or call us today at 940-380-0500 to learn more about our expert home care services in Denton and the surrounding areas.