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I smoked cigarettes for over 20 years. At the time, I didn't realize they could actually weaken your bladder. The worst part of having to wear diapers as an adult is that whenever you are working or just going out, you always have to carry a bag with you to the restroom. Plus, with bowel incontinence the smell can be embarrassing at times. I've come to accept my incontinence, and even tell people about it if they ask. I’m not afraid to let people know, because it becomes part of your life, just like anything does. Being a single widowed father to a special needs child has also helped me cope and deal with my disability. I know that it can happen at any age. Just be confident in who you are, accept the change, and live your life.
Late in life I was told that I had a problem with my kidneys where they were working more slowly than they should be. I thought my doctors were keeping it in check, but at 81 I had progressed to sudden kidney failure. I went to the Emergency Department with a faint heartbeat and was hospitalized for two weeks.
I am still living with the impacts of my medical emergency. I still can’t hold my urine so I have to wear pull-ups, and I still need help when I walk. My advice is to pay attention to yourself and your body, and it’s always better to ask questions than not have the information you need. I hope this will let people to know that doctors don’t always know or share everything, so ask questions!
I was a late bloomer and struggled with wetting both day and especially night as a child. As I got older, into my teens and twenties, I would still have bedwetting and sometimes daytime accidents. Not fitting in pullups or Goodnites diapers anymore, I eventually switched to adult diapers. They were store brand diapers at first, and they often leaked. Those leaks caused me embarrassing moments and wet sheets with a smelly mattress.
I was a teacher for over 31 years. Frequently, I was forced to wait hours to be allowed to leave my classroom to go to the toilet. Towards the end of my career, I would even ask office staff to cover my class for a few minutes while I went to the bathroom. When I retired, I found out that I was developing an inability to get to the bathroom in time. All that time I was giving my all to my job, it was taking its toll on my body. I started taking a medication called Mybetric, which treats OAB by relaxing your bladder muscles, and that helped some. However, after a life threatening hospital event, I started using productive underwear. After several different brands tried and failed, I found LivDry diapers and found a better fit.
Both my husband and I suffer from incontinence... his from a fall that resulted in a brain-bleed (stroke) leaving him incontinent. Mine is from bladder issues. Needless to say, incontinence is embarrassing and expensive plus the necessity of constantly shopping for products! I tried many over-the-counter products, with disappointing results!!! Being in our 80’s, going shopping is an effort, so I do a lot of it online and discovered TYE Medical. WHAT A BLESSING! We have been using them to supply us with all our incontinence supplies for several years now. We have a subscription with them, so they ship our supplies each month right to our door. If any changes in our order is necessary, just go online or call them… so easy! Their pull-up briefs and shaped pads (inserted for added protection) are the most absorbent products on the market… not cheap, but our dignity is worth it!!!
I have had a weak bladder for as long as I can remember. It was difficult growing up knowing I might have an accident, especially in my teen years. My parents were very understanding of my condition and the doctor concluded it’s not my fault, some folks just have weak bladders. The doctor and my parents finally came to the joint solution for me to try protective underwear, and they assumed the issue would just get resolved as I got older. Unfortunately worsened over the years, and by the time I hit my twenties I was having to wear protection 24/7. After trying all sorts of brands and all types of styles, I really would just end up leaking due to my active lifestyle. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t want to go out as much and became a recluse and had severe depression. Finally, around my 23rd birthday I was talking to a friend who is also incontinent, and they recommended for me to try LivDry briefs with the two piece system and explained that you can use them with booster pads as needed. This was a game changer for me, it was like a light clicked. I tried them for a week and never looked back. The durability of them for my active lifestyle and the way they can be used with or without a booster pad made wearing the discrete in the day simple and at nighttime I could greatly increase the absorbency by using an insert. The best part is I got my life back. I got my confidence back. These briefs literally changed my life overnight. I am 36 now and have been wearing them over ten years and I will never look back. They really are the most absorbent and comfortable product I’ve used. No more leaks, no more bulky mess. Odor free - there is no downside to these briefs! Thank you TYE Medical.
If you or a loved one needs more hands-on care, living assistance can help put your mind at ease. Living assistance is flexible, personalized, and fosters a safe home environment while maintaining a sense of independence and privacy. It can give you or your loved one the freedom to make everyday choices and receive a helping hand whenever needed.At St. Barnabas, we understand that the transition from full to partial independence isnt easy and how important it is to ensure your needs and preferences are both addressed. Here are a few ways living assistance is provided without intruding.Receiving Help As NeededEncouraging independence is one way to foster non-intrusive assistance. At a senior living assistance campus, the staff is always available to lend a hand without eliminating decision-making. You or your loved one can retain a sense of autonomy by participating in the daily tasks and chores and receiving help on an as-needed basis. Intervention comes in varying degrees, depending on individual ability. A personalized care plan may include: Incontinence support Wheelchair assistance Medication management Help with grooming, dressing, and bathing Wound, ostomy, or catheter care Care staff is attentive and sensitive to your needs, and they can offer a little help throughout the day or when needed. By participating in daily activities, you or your loved one can plan your day based on your personal preferences.Collaborative SchedulingAs an alternative to making a pre-set schedule and asking the resident to stick to it, working together to create a personal care plan that suits everyone can be beneficial. When it comes to weekly meals, exercise routines, and social activities, residents have the freedom to choose. Maybe they enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals, or perhaps they like to do stretching exercises versus walks. Wherever passions lie, the staff can incorporate those into the regular daily routine to help encourage healthy living and socialization in ways that suit personal preferences.Collaborating with staff can also ensure that activities are both enjoyable and safe. When a resident cant do an activity they love, the team can work with them to find ways to feel that same sense of joy without putting them in danger.Respecting Boundaries and Private SpacesSpending time alone gives us a chance to relax, decompress, and gather our thoughts. In a living assistance care center, its imperative that residents still have some time for themselves. Caregivers respect boundaries and private spaces. Before entering a room, they knock on the door and wait for the resident to respond. Designating a private area for residents to turn to when they feel overwhelmed also aids in creating independence and ultimately gives them a space to de-stress and unwind.Places like the bathroom or shower are understandably uncomfortable areas for intrusion, so caregivers are sure to give residents the space they need to complete these tasks in private. The staff still makes sure the resident is safe by remaining nearby and listening for signs that something may be wrong. Learn More about Living Assistance at St. Barnabas Serving the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, St. Barnabas is here to give you the support you need. With a dedication to providing comfortable and compassionate living assistance services, you can count on us for all of your care requirements. To learn more about our senior living assistance program, contact us today.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adultsand they often result in long-term consequences like hip fractures, reduced independence, or the need for assisted living. In fact, one in four seniors over the age of 65 falls each year. For families across Western Pennsylvania, where many seniors are still living at home in older houses with stairs, uneven flooring, or poor lighting, fall prevention isnt just a health concernits a quality-of-life issue.At CarePatrol of Western PA, we work closely with families to ensure their loved ones can age safely at homeor transition to the right level of care when needed. Whether your parent lives in Mt. Lebanon, Monroeville, Cranberry Township, or Beaver County, this local checklist can help you make the home a safer place.Why Fall Prevention Matters in Western PAMany homes in Western PA were built decades ago and may include: Narrow hallways or staircases Multi-level layouts with multiple steps between rooms Slippery basement laundry areas Aging outdoor walkways affected by freeze-thaw cycles These architectural quirks, combined with common age-related changes like decreased balance, vision loss, and slower reaction times, create a perfect storm for falls. The good news? Most falls are preventable with a proactive approach.Common Risk Factors for Falls Among SeniorsUnderstanding what contributes to falls can help families take targeted action. Some of the most common risk factors include: Poor lighting Loose rugs and cords Cluttered walking paths Poorly fitting footwear Lack of grab bars or handrails Medication side effects (e.g., dizziness or drowsiness) Declining strength, balance, or vision By addressing these factors, you can reduce the chance of an accidentand the stress that comes with it.Designed for Western PA HomesBelow is a practical checklist you can use to assess your loved ones home. Aim to complete this with themideally before winter sets in or before a health event forces changes.When to Consider Additional SupportIf your loved one is already struggling with balance, vision, or recovering from a fall, it may be time to consider more structured helpeither through in-home caregivers or a transition to assisted living.Here are a few red flags that the home may no longer be a safe environment: Multiple falls in the past 6 months Difficulty navigating stairs or walking without support Missed medications due to mobility issues Isolating at home due to fear of falling Home is too difficult to modify (e.g., steep staircases, inaccessible bathroom) At CarePatrol, we can help you assess the home environment, care needs, and explore safer living optionsall at no cost to your family.Youre Not in This AloneFall prevention isnt about taking away independenceits about preserving it. The sooner your family takes action, the longer your loved one can live safely, whether at home or in a community designed for their needs.At CarePatrol of Western PA, were here to help families from Butler to Greensburg, Washington to Beaver make safer, smarter decisions about aging well. Our local advisors can assess your loved ones risk for falls, recommend in-home care, and guide you through transitions to senior living when appropriate.Ready to Take the First Step?Lets prevent the next fall before it happens. Contact CarePatrol of Western PA today for a free care consultation and home safety discussion.
As we age, our nutritional needs changebut the importance of eating well never does. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help older adults maintain energy, support brain function, strengthen bones, manage chronic conditions, and boost immunity. Healthy eating doesnt have to be complicated, its about making small, consistent choices that nourish the body and promote overall well-being.Here are some practical and easy-to-follow healthy eating tips tailored to older adults: 1. Focus on Nutrient-Dense FoodsAs metabolism slows with age, the body needs fewer calories but more nutrients. Prioritize foods that pack a nutritional punch without empty calories. Choose fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors for a range of vitamins and antioxidants. Opt for whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread for fiber and sustained energy. Include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, and fish. Add healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fishlike salmon. 2. Watch Portion SizesOlder adults often need fewer calories than they did in their younger years. Be mindful of portion sizes and aim to listen to your bodys hunger and fullness cues. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage appetite and blood sugar levels. 3. Stay HydratedDehydration is common in seniors because the sense of thirst often decreases with age. Make a habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day, even if you dont feel thirsty. Flavor water with fruit slices or herbs for variety. Limit caffeine and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate or add empty calories. Include hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, and soups. 4. Prioritize Bone HealthAs bones naturally lose density over time, its important to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength. Choose low-fat dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens, and canned salmon with bones. Talk to your doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement is right for you, especially if you spend limited time in the sun. 5. Limit Added Sugar and SaltToo much sugar and sodium can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Read food labels and aim for low-sodium and no-added-sugar options. Season meals with herbs, spices, or lemon juice instead of salt. Swap sweets for naturally sweet fruits like berries, apples, or grapes. 6. Eat Fiber-Rich FoodsFiber supports digestion, helps prevent constipation, and can lower cholesterol levels. Include beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your meals. Gradually increase fiber and drink plenty of fluids to help your body adjust. 7. Dont Skip MealsSkipping meals can lead to dips in blood sugar, fatigue, and overeating later in the day. Try to eat regular meals and snacks to maintain steady energy and avoid nutrient deficiencies. 8. Pay Attention to Dental HealthDental problems can make chewing difficult, which may lead to avoiding healthy foods. Choose softer, easy-to-chew options like: Cooked vegetables Soft fruits (bananas, applesauce) Ground or shredded meat Smoothies, soups, and stews If you wear dentures or experience mouth pain, talk to your dentist about comfortable food options. 9. Enjoy Your MealsEating should be a pleasant and social experience. Make mealtime enjoyable by: Sharing meals with family, friends, or neighbors Trying new recipes or healthy versions of favorite dishes Eating in a well-lit, calm environment At Avondale Care Group of Pennsylvania our services are fully customizable, allowing us to create a care plan that perfectly matches your personal routines and preferences.
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at 252-292-8744
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at252-292-8744
It takes collaboration of great minds, a great passion and great brand to successfully foster our global mission to empower the over 33 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and the many challenges it can bring to make a smart product choice as their incontinence solution. We are honored to showcase our product and to continuously raise the standards of our customer experience, improve the quality of their life andEmpower their Health.Inspiring a healthier life for everyone, everyday. Contact Julie Wolf today your local Tye Medical Professional in Florida directly at 252-292-8744