How to Get Started Managing Your Senior’s Incontinence

When your elderly family member starts experiencing incontinence she might feel embarrassed and awkward about the entire situation. There’s a lot of shame involved in having incontinence problems. She may even wait to talk about it until she can’t hide what’s happening any longer.

Open up a Conversation with Your Senior

Home Care Alachua FL - How to Get Started Managing Your Senior’s Incontinence
Home Care Alachua FL – How to Get Started Managing Your Senior’s Incontinence

Talking to your senior
When your elderly family member starts experiencing incontinence she might feel embarrassed and awkward about the entire situation. This can be really embarrassing to talk about, so try to remember and honor that as much as you can. Some of the things you need to know include how long she’s been dealing with incontinence and whether there are any other issues occurring at the same time. Some of that information can help your senior’s doctor to pinpoint medical causes.

Start Keeping Track of What’s Happening

It’s one thing to notice what’s going on, but it’s another to have information and data to share. That’s why you and your senior need to talk, of course, but it’s also why you might both want to start tracking some data. When you have notes and solid information you can take to your senior’s doctor, that allows her doctor to dig a little deeper into what might be going on.

Take What You Know to Your Senior’s Doctor

When it’s time to talk to your senior’s doctor, try not to shy away from the issue or use expressions that downplay what’s happening. Your senior’s doctor helps lots of people with these sorts of issues, so there’s no reason to let embarrassment take over. The more information you can bring with you, the better. Some medications that your senior already takes to manage other conditions could make incontinence worse, so there may be several different changes her doctor considers.

Set up a Plan and Follow It

Your senior’s doctor might recommend medication, specific exercises, dietary changes, and even incontinence products to help your aging family member to manage her situation. The plan might need adjusting periodically to continue to meet her needs but having a plan at all gives you both a framework. It might also be a good idea to have some extra help available from home care providers.

Managing incontinence can be a lot easier than your senior fears. That can also contribute to her keeping quiet about what she’s experiencing. With the right system and tools in place, incontinence doesn’t have to completely sideline your senior.

If you are considering Home Care Services in Alachua FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.

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