Caregivers often find that one of the most challenging issues they deal with is incontinence. It can be an emotional and difficult problem to tackle. However, if you are a caregiver and take the time to really educate yourself about the issue then you will be able to help manage it far more effectively. One of the first things that any caregiver should know is that adult incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. There are certain medical conditions that can bring on incontinence. These medical conditions are far more likely to happen as we age. In addition, there are certain medications that can also bring incontinence.
Another major challenge that comes with dealing with incontinence is being able to talk about it. Many seniors who find that they have this problem are embarrassed and reluctant to talk about it. Caregivers who are noticing that the senior in their care is experiencing incontinence symptoms can address it with them in a calm and rational manner. Discussing incontinence as the medical problem that it is helps to reassure the senior that you are their advocate and are there to help them.
However, simply noticing and discussing the problem of incontinence is not enough. It is crucial that both caregivers and the senior who is experiencing incontinence understand that there are various treatment options and incontinence products. These treatment options will vary with the different types and severity of incontinence. However, many of these treatments have high rates of success.
The first step is to make sure that the senior has a complete medical evaluation with their health care professional. The doctor will need a complete medical history and will want to gather a great deal of information concerning the present health status of the senior who is experiencing incontinence. The caregiver can often provide help by being that extra pair of eyes and ears at the doctor’s appointments. It can also be helpful to take notes so that questions are answered and that the doctor’s instructions can be followed. Keep in mind that many doctors will want the senior to fill out a voiding diary before even coming in for the first doctor’s visit. This information can let the doctor know how often the senior uses the toilet and when incontinence accidents happen. The caregiver can be instrumental in helping with this, as well.
After the doctor has performed a thorough examination and has run some tests he or she will most likely be able to make a diagnosis concerning the cause and type of the incontinence. This will then dictate the possible treatment options. The treatment options range from physical therapy, certain medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases of incontinence bladder surgery. These treatment options will be presented to the caregiver and the senior and a final determination of what treatment will be used can be decided on.
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