Managing Urinary Incontinence in Seniors
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What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence means a person leaks urine by accident. While it can happen to anyone, urinary incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is more common in older people, especially women. Bladder control issues can be embarrassing and cause people to avoid their normal activities. But incontinence can often be stopped or controlled.
Incontinence can happen for many reasons, including urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, or constipation. Some medications can cause bladder control problems that last a short time. When incontinence lasts longer, it may be due to:
- Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease
- Diseases such as arthritis that may make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time
- Pelvic organ prolapse, which is when pelvic organs (such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus) shift out of their normal place into the vagina or anus. When pelvic organs are out of place, the bladder and urethra are not able to work normally, which may cause urine to leak.
Most incontinence in men is related to the prostate gland. Male incontinence may be caused by:
- Prostatitis, a painful inflammation of the prostate gland
- Injury or damage to nerves or muscles from surgery
- An enlarged prostate gland, which can lead to benign prostate hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate grows as men age
Managing Urinary Incontinence
While urinary incontinence can be challenging to manage, there are various strategies and interventions that can help seniors maintain independence and dignity. These include:
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to strengthen bladder muscles and improve control.
- Scheduled toileting routines to empty the bladder regularly and prevent accidents.
- Dietary modifications, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, which can irritate the bladder.
- Adequate hydration to maintain urinary tract health while avoiding excessive fluid intake before bedtime.
- Assistive devices such as absorbent pads, adult diapers, and bedside commodes to manage accidents and promote comfort.
- Medication management under the guidance of healthcare professionals to address underlying medical conditions contributing to urinary incontinence.
Care with Live Peace 24/7 Seniors Care
At Live Peace 24/7 Seniors Care, we understand that urinary incontinence can be a sensitive and challenging issue for seniors and their families. Our trained caregivers provide compassionate, dignified support to help manage incontinence while promoting independence and quality of life.
Our personalized care plans include:
- Discreet and Respectful Assistance – We prioritize privacy and dignity, offering support with toileting, hygiene, and changing as needed.
- Bladder Health Monitoring – Our caregivers help track fluid intake, medication effects, and toileting schedules to reduce accidents and discomfort.
- Hygiene and Skin Care – Proper skin care is essential to prevent irritation and infections. We assist with cleansing routines and recommend protective products for comfort.
- Mobility Support – We ensure safe and easy access to restrooms, reducing fall risks and helping seniors maintain confidence in their daily routines.
- Dietary Guidance – Certain foods and drinks can worsen incontinence. Our caregivers provide guidance on bladder-friendly nutrition and hydration habits.
- Live Peace 24/7 serves across all cities in Greater Vancouver: Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, New Westminister, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody.
