August 8, 2018 by
At Home Independent Living, providers of elder care Syracuse, NY families trust, understands that Incontinence, or problems with bladder control, is an uncomfortable and sensitive matter, specifically for seniors. It can lead to a wide variety of dilemmas, from skin sores to reduced socialization for people who are hesitant to leave home in case of an “accident.” Yet while urinary incontinence can affect upwards of 25 million individuals in the U.S. alone, the affliction seldom gets the attention and discussion it deserves. As a result of the lack of communication and information about senior incontinence, many older adults and caregivers feel as though there isn’t anything that can be done to bring relief.
However, senior incontinence is not inevitable as people age. While many seniors do find that their bladder may be “weak,” causing leakage, in many instances the condition has a simple solution.
Below are some causes of urinary incontinence that can be treated:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs, also known as bladder infections, lead to an intense urge to pass urine. In younger people, this feeling is noticeable, but it is not always as evident for older individuals. If an older person displays sudden urinary incontinence when this wasn’t a problem before, look for other warning signs that suggest a UTI, such as:
- Sudden confusion or agitation
- Hallucinations
- Other behavioral changes
- Poor motor skills
- Falls
You may possibly also notice:
- Strong smelling urine
- Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
- Fever
- Complaints of pain when urinating
- Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
- Night sweats
If you think your loved one has a UTI, the person should be evaluated by his or her doctor and have the urine tested. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be resolved or minimized.
Loss of mobility
As mobility reduces, incontinence can come to be an issue. The urge to urinate may develop abruptly and your loved one may not be able to get to the bathroom quickly enough. This may also be an issue through the night, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and waking in the middle of the night might also trigger some confusion.
For older adults with mobility issues, an in-home assessment from one of our in-home care providers can help offer tips and solutions.
Medications
Certain drugs, such as diuretics, increase the levels of urine produced, leading to an increased urge to urinate. If your loved one is taking a medication that increases urine production, it is crucial to bear this in mind if the person needs to leave the house or is not nearby a readily accessible bathroom.
At Home Independent Living caregivers understand how UTIs, senior incontinence, and other senior health issues can affect quality of life. Our highly trained in home care staff provides a full range of home care services, including transfer and toileting assistance, medication reminders, and bathing and grooming assistance, to help your loved one live his or her best life. Contact us today online or call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about elder care Syracuse NY services that may positively contribute to the well-being of your senior loved one.