Although urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, it is unfortunately a more common issue for seniors. Women, especially, are more susceptible to this problem as they grow older. If you are in charge of your loved one’s home health care, use this guide to determine why incontinence may be happening and what you can do about it.

Why Incontinence Happens in Seniors

The body stores urine in the bladder, and during urination, the bladder muscles must tighten to move the urine into the urethra and out the body. Under normal circumstances, the muscles surrounding the urethra relax to allow urine to pass. Incontinence occurs when these sets of muscles aren’t functioning like they should. 

Many times, urinary incontinence happens because the muscles involuntarily relax due to weakness, infection, nerve damage, or certain medications. Shifting or prolapsed organs can also interfere with the way the bladder and urethra work, and in men, an enlarged prostate can cause an increased and urgent need to urinate. Certain diseases also create a sudden need to urinate or make it difficult to get to the toilet in time.

How to Help Your Loved One

If you are in charge of your parent’s home health care, the first step to curing or controlling incontinence is to see their primary physician. They will need to perform a physical exam, including urine and blood tests, and determine what medications your loved one is taking.

Depending on the doctor’s findings, they might have you add a range of bladder-controlling techniques to your parent’s home health care regimen. This might include pelvic exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor or using biofeedback sensors that send mild currents to the bladder and urethra to help the senior identify when their body needs to urinate.

If the senior is living with a chronic disease that causes sudden urination or trouble emptying the bladder, the doctor might recommend timed voiding. This would require having them go to the bathroom at specific times throughout the day to try and prevent accidents. In some instances, medication or surgery is also helpful for tightening the muscles or correcting organ problems.

As your parents age, it’s important to have someone that looks after their well-being when you can’t. Since 2001, Nurse Next Door Arlington South has provided home health care services so seniors can remain living comfortably in their own home. They serve Mansfield, Arlington, Pantego, Irving, Downtown Mesquite, and Dalworthington Gardens. Their caregivers are trained, registered nurses and available 24/7 to provide a full spectrum of care, including respite, memory, and companion care. Call (817) 608-7322 today to schedule a free in-home consultation, and visit their website to learn more about their services.