Stop Overlooking Signs of Incontinence

For more information on the author Comfort Keepers Fort Myers, CLICK HERE.Urinary incontinence is an issue that more than half of seniors deal with, and it can affect a seniors health, social connections, and self-esteem. Managing incontinence is critical for seniors that want to maintain their independence and quality of life while remaining in their home.*New guidelines released in 2018 recommend that women be screened for issues that cause incontinence on a yearly basis.While incontinence is a highly prevalent issue, its important to remember that incontinence is treatable, and a physician can make recommendations based on the type of incontinence they diagnose.Why Does Incontinence Happen?During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra, while the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder don't work properly, urine can leak. Incontinence can occur for short periods of time due to urinary tract infections, constipation, or as a side effect of a medication.How is Incontinence Diagnosed and Treated?Depending on the severity of the problem, a doctor may recommend any or all of the following:A urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urineBlood tests to check on kidney function, calcium and glucose levelsA complete physical exam and thorough discussion of ones medical historyMedicine that calms muscles and nerves to treat an overactive bladder.Exercises to strengthen the pelvic musclesIf other treatments fail, surgery may be suggested to improve bladder control.How Can Incontinence be Managed at Home?There are a few lifestyle changes that can help manage incontinence:Pelvic muscle exercises: Working the muscles that can stop urination can have a positive effect in reducing incontinence.Timed bathroom breaks: Going to the restroom on a schedule can help those with urge and overflow incontinence.Fluid and diet management: Avoid food and drinks that irritate the bladder. Its important for seniors to discuss their diet and fluid intake with the doctor before making any changes.Behavioral changes: There are some habits that can make incontinence worse. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, lifting objects that are too heavy and consuming caffeine, among others.Comfort Keepers Can HelpIf your loved one has specific care needs related to a health issue, like incontinence, we can help. Our caregivers can provide transportation to appointments, medication reminders, support for physician-recommended diet and exercise programs, and help monitor physical changes and symptoms. And, we strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

For more information on the author Comfort Keepers Sarasota, CLICK HERE.Urinary incontinence is an issue that more than half of seniors deal with, and it can affect a seniors health, social connections, and self-esteem. Managing incontinence is critical for seniors that want to maintain their independence and quality of life while remaining in their home.*New guidelines released in 2018 recommend that women be screened for issues that cause incontinence on a yearly basis.While incontinence is a highly prevalent issue, its important to remember that incontinence is treatable, and a physician can make recommendations based on the type of incontinence they diagnose.Why Does Incontinence Happen?During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra, while the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder dont work properly, urine can leak. Incontinence can occur for shortperiods of time due to urinary tract infections, constipation, or as a side effect of a medication.How is Incontinence Diagnosed and Treated?Depending on the severity of the problem, a doctor may recommend any or all of the following:A urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urineBlood tests to check on kidney function, calcium and glucose levelsA complete physical exam and thorough discussion of ones medical historyMedicine that calms muscles and nerves to treat an overactive bladder.Exercises to strengthen the pelvic musclesIf other treatments fail, surgery may be suggested to improve bladder control.How Can Incontinence be Managed at Home?There are a few lifestyle changes that can help manage incontinence:Pelvic muscle exercises: Working the muscles that can stop urination can have a positive effect in reducing incontinence.Timed bathroom breaks: Going to the restroom on a schedule can help those with urge and overflow incontinence.Fluid and diet management: Avoid food and drinks that irritate the bladder. Its important for seniors to discuss their diet and fluid intake with the doctor before making any changes.Behavioral changes: There are some habits that can make incontinence worse. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, lifting objects that are too heavy and consuming caffeine, among others.Comfort KeepersCan HelpIf your loved one has specific care needs related to a health issue, like incontinence, we can help. Our caregivers can provide transportation to appointments, medication reminders, support for physician-recommended diet and exercise programs, and help monitor physical changes and symptoms. And, we strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

Whether aging in place at home, or residing in a senior living community, people living with incontinence can reduce their risk of pressure sores, UTIs, and falls, subsequently reducing their risk of ending up in the hospital by choosing high quality incontinence products.Fully breathable products that allow the skin to breathe will reduce the risk of pressure sores. Without breathability, the person wearing the product may get skin irritations and skin breakdowns. In addition, the pain, worry, and ancillary negative effects are staggering. Not only is wearing a fully breathable product important, choosing skin care products and washcloths that protect elderly thinning skin is equally as important. Transparent barrier creams and no water needed cleansing creams, for example, can aid in reducing risk.Super absorbent products are key in helping incontinent elders sleep through the night. Restorative sleep, the term meaning 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep that allows a person to go through the 4-5 sleep cycles, has proven benefits, ie. cell regeneration, tissue healing, hormone regulation, more alert in the morning, etc. If an incontinent elder is wearing a product that keeps them dry longer and is made from soft comfortable materials, the likelihood of them staying in bed at night is greater. If they stay in bed, they reduce their risk of falling during the night, whereas others wearing a less absorbent product may wake up in the night, wet and uncomfortable. In turn, that elder gets up out of bed groggy and thus a fall may happen. Falls are a leading contributor to hospital admissions. Choosing high quality products helps reduce the risk!Super absorbent products may also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in elders if they are wearing a high-quality product with a double absorbent core that locks in urine while decreasing bacterial growth.If you or a loved one are challenged with incontinence, it is recommended that you inquire about high quality products at your local independent pharmacy or home medical supply store. Staff members at these stores will be more well versed about quality products rather than a consumer buying adult briefs or pull-ups in a big box store and can help guide consumers to proper size & fit, appropriate absorbency levels, styles, etc. which are all factors in promoting confidence, dignity, and overall well being for incontinent people to enjoy everyday life activities.Most pharmacies and home medical supply stores will even be able to provide free product samples to try before you buy. Remember to compare overall value versus cost as this is critical to choosing wisely!This article was submitted by Deanna Vigliotta, National Sales Manager at TZMO USA INC. Deanna can be reached by email at Deanna.Vigliotta@tzmousa.com or visit www.seni-usa.com for more information. For free Seni product samples, please email marketing@tzmousa.com