Urinary incontinence is not uncommon in older adults. In many ways, it impacts the lives of retirement age adults and, if applicable, their caregivers. Frequently, people with incontinence issues no longer enjoy the activities they used to. They may experience reduced self-assurance and confidence.
Managing and/or handling incontinence can be difficult – but not impossible. Just because you’re getting older, it doesn’t mean you should simply accept bladder control problems. Successful treatment could have everything to do with getting to the root of the problem. What’s causing the incontinence?
Incontinence Causes
Bladder control problems can be contributed to by a number of factors including the following:
- Arthritis and other medical conditions can make it more difficult to make it to the restroom in a timely manner
- Enlarged prostate
- Nerve damage from conditions like MS, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
- Pelvic organ prolapses or weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive or weakened bladder muscles
- Constipation
- Vaginal infection or urinary tract infection
Seek out Medical Assistance
If incontinence management issues are experienced as an older adult, a doctor should be conferred with. They will look at the person’s health history, medications, and symptoms. How their bladder is emptying will be tested in addition to urine and blood tests. It’s helpful if the person involved can keep a daily journal so the doctor has an idea of when they are leaking urine each day and when they are intentionally urinating.
Treating Incontinence
The treatment for incontinence will have everything to do with its cause. That said, however, some included treatment plans consisting of the following:
- Changes in lifestyle (think weight loss, stop smoking, limit or eliminate alcohol and caffeine, etc.)
- On a set schedule, emptying the bladder.
- Biofeedback
- Pelvic muscle (Kegel) exercises
- Surgery (this would imply a need for a bladder position change, a blockage that’s causing incontinence, etc.)
- To prevent leaking, a urethral pessary or insert is used
- Around the bladder, the use of nerve stimulation may be effective
- A cream that consists of low-dose estrogen
- To the area surrounding the urethra, a medication is injected
- To help the bladder empty fully, or to tighten muscles, oral medications may be used
Incontinence and Alzheimer’s
Unfortunately, incontinence and Alzheimer’s can go hand-in-hand. The following may be of use in this case:
- Testing out various incontinence care products
- More frequent, regular bathroom breaks
- Eliminating tea, soda, coffee, etc.
- Make restroom access easier as well as clothing that is easier to remove
Live Without Embarrassment in a Nonjudgmental Environment
At our retirement and/or assisted living community, residents are, for the most part, all in the same boat. Some type of care or assistance is needed in some way, shape, or form. Truth be told, we all need a little help once in a while. There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you or a loved one is experiencing incontinence during what many people refer to as their “golden years”.
Our caring, knowledgeable team of professionals will be of the utmost assistance where incontinence issues and/or other aging related topics are concerned.
If you would like to find out more about our retirement community, you can call 240-253-6616 with leasing and sales questions. Please talk to a representative at 301-766-0066 for other inquiries. We also have a convenient online form option you can use. Fill it out, send it in, and we will respond.
Your best opportunity to see and experience all we have to offer is to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you.
