Incontinence

With the further progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, many individuals become incontinent. Generally, urinary incontinence occurs first, then fecal incontinence occurs. It is important to consult the individual’s healthcare provider as the incontinence may be treatable. You may be able to assist the individual in  preventing incontinence entirely in… Read More

“I’m sick and tired of cleaning up after you, so I bought you these diapers.” (You’ll only make the person embarrassed and defensive.) “Why can’t you control yourself?” (They can’t. If they could, they wouldn’t be incontinent.) “Are you doing this to spite me?” (No, this isn’t about mean-spiritedness.) “That’s… Read More

Know your role. Know your goal. Figure out who should do the talking. Picture the person’s conflict style. Pick a pleasant time. Rehearse your tone. Try gentle, indirect route. Empathize. Let the person know they will be helping out. Give honest, detailed observations. Share insights into the person’s conflict-coping style…. Read More

Look for briefs with built-in protection, for example. Essentially, these protective underpants look like regular briefs, but with an insertable pad that will absorb urine. This style may be more acceptable. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure the briefs fit well. Depending on how advanced your… Read More

Fecal incontinence, which affects more than 5 million Americans and is more common in older adults, is often caused by weakness in the anal sphincter muscle, which normally contracts to keep stool from leaking out. If the person you’re caring for hasn’t seen his doctor about it, schedule an appointment…. Read More

Always be calm and understanding when accidents occur. Wear gloves. This prevents the spread of disease; wash hands before and after assistance. If the person cannot use the toilet and cannot learn to use a urinal, commode, or in-bed toileting, incontinence products will be necessary. If the person can move… Read More

At some point, both urinary and fecal (bowel) incontinence affect most people with dementia as brain-body communications deteriorate. Diet can influence the types of stools you have to deal with. Foods that add to the problem: Coffee Tea Chocolate Cured or smoked meat Spicy foods Ice cream Milk Fatty or… Read More

Avoid denying there is a problem. Don’t assume the person is trying to punish you. Communicate about the problem. Talk them to the doctor. Make sure there is nothing to slow them down when they need to urinate. Help set up a toilet schedule. Watch the fluids before bed. Consider… Read More

Memory problems may be part of the reason for incontinence. Here is some advice on how to help your loved one: Follow a toileting schedule, so the person never has an urgent need. Try a sign on the door: “BATHROOM”. At night, illuminate the pathway to the bathroom with lights… Read More

Persons with dementia generally become incontinent as the disease progresses. Some families do well managing this; others need help from an in-home worker or make the decision to move to special care assisted living. Here are some tips: Set a regular schedule for toileting Adapt the wardrobe for clothes that… Read More