Urinary incontinence is a common problem in older age, and many elderly people in Cumming worry about discussing it. However, effectively dealing with urinary incontinence is all part of
home care assistance, so it is not out of the ordinary for the
caregivers of
BrightStar Care of Cumming. Here are the basic facts you need to know about urinary incontinence and how it is managed in a
home healthcare setting.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is diagnosed when urine is unintentionally passed. Some people experience it when more pressure is put on the bladder, such as during coughing or laughing, while others find their incontinence is linked to experiencing the urge to urinate. The amount of urine that leaks may be small or substantial. While there is no guarantee that urinary incontinence will be a consequence of aging, the lower urinary tract changes with age and becomes more vulnerable to incontinence. In addition, certain chronic illnesses (such as Parkinson's disease) and relatively common surgical procedures (for example, hysterectomies and prostate removal) are all factors that may increase the risk.
How a personal care companion can help
Firstly, clients who begin to develop signs of urinary incontinence during care should always report this to their
senior helper. There is no need to be shy when asking for help and
home healthcare workers will arrange for further medical assistance if necessary. When it comes to assisting clients in Cumming who have already received a diagnosis of urinary incontinence,
caregivers can help in the following ways:
- Monitoring lifestyle changes that may reduce the severity of urinary incontinence (such as a reduction in caffeine intake and drinking the recommended amount of water each day).
- Assisting clients with limited mobility when they urgently need to reach the bathroom.
- Changing adult diapers (which can otherwise be tricky for clients who are largely immobile or in pain).
- Assisting with personal cleanliness and hygiene.
Personal
care givers place a great deal of emphasis on forming a comfortable, safe relationship with clients so that dealing with issues around urinary incontinence will cause less anxiety.
For more information about in home care options from BrightStar Care of Cumming, contact us today at (678) 450-1777.
