Get 10% Off* + $15 Reward$ | Code: HPFYJN
Age is one risk factor among many that can add to urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a part of the aging process, but it does occur more often in the elderly. The effects on the person experiencing UI range from physical, financial, and psychosocial levels. The same can be said for the family and caregivers of those dealing with UI. According to the Journal of Aging Life Care, the impact of UI extends from the cost of care to quality of life and estimates that up to 60% of the elderly population experience UI (Emmons & Robinson, 2022). While many believe UI is inevitable as aging occurs, this myth keeps those who have symptoms from seeking treatment. By choosing to ignore or do nothing about UI, the patient's loved ones and caregivers suffer the same effects, including physical, mental, and financial stress.
Many people who experience UI do not seek treatment because of embarrassment or feelings of shame. They also try to hide the issue from their loved ones, caregivers, and medical care team. Therefore, the opportunity for early treatment or management is missed. Many causes of UI can be treated, and symptoms of UI can be resolved. Causes of acute (sudden onset) UI include:
Chronic UI often occurs because of diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. As these diseases reach later stages, UI becomes more prevalent. Just like UI, the progression of these diseases also causes physical and social consequences.
Bladder control products can be useful for managing urine leakage. Adult diapers, briefs, and incontinence pads are light, moderate to maximum absorbency. Prevail is a popular brand of incontinence management products from briefs fitted with tab closure style, belted briefs, or stretch style. Prevail also offers disposable briefs for women, men, or unisex styles, including boxer briefs for men. Prevail also makes pads or liners for men and women. Absorbency in these pads is in different portions to meet the needs of the male or female anatomy. Most of these products are available in varying absorbency levels to meet individual needs. They offer specialty sizes to accommodate all body shapes, from youth to the bariatric (obese) populations. Prevail makes disposable washcloths which make clean-up easy.
For furniture and mattress protection, incontinence pads can be found in disposable or reusable forms. These are helpful, especially at night.
Overnight incontinence may be more difficult to manage. Those conservative management tips mentioned earlier are not being done during the night. For this reason, even the UI population that works during the day with mild incontinent episodes will have increased leakage overnight. Using maximum or ultimate absorbency products is recommended overnight. Be sure to utilize the incontinence pads, whether disposable or reusable, on the mattress. If using disposable, consider purchasing a Janibell Incontinence Disposable System. It is best to apply a skin protectant such as Tena Protective Cream with Zinc before bedtime. This will help prevent moisture-associated skin damage. Use a perineal cleanser such as Aloe-Vesta Perineal Skin Cleanser made by ConvaTec in the morning for clean-up.
Caring for the elderly population with UI is difficult and considerably negatively impacts the caregiver. The amount of time spent watching for them daily is high in the home setting. The cost of supplies takes a toll on any household. According to the Aging Life Care Association, caregivers report difficulty with role changes (caring for parents), difficulty sleeping, financial strain, the strain on intimate relationships, and social isolation due to time spent providing care. These difficult stressors often lead to the placement of the elder with UI in an extended care facility. This decision does not come easy and causes feelings of guilt for the caregiver. It is also distressing to the elder and the entire family. Coping with this major decision can lead to depression (Emmons & Robinson, 2022).
In conclusion, seeking help in the early stages of urinary incontinence has the best outcome. Treating UI early can resolve symptoms depending on the cause of UI. A discussion with a medical professional is the best way to start. And remember, all caregivers need to take time to care for themselves. Meeting your own needs makes it easier to meet the needs of your loved one.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text, were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has been ...
What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors
Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.
5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before
A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.
TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022
Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.
MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.
FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022
Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.