A person living with dementia is more likely to have accidents, problems using the toilet or incontinence, than a person of the same age who doesn’t have dementia and helping a person living with dementia who has incontinence issues can be challenging for the people caring for them.
The reasons for this can include:
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Slow reaction to needing to use the toilet
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Failing to get to the toilet in time
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Inability to communicate the need to go to the toilet
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Disorientation and inability to find, recognise, or use the toilet.
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Not understanding a prompt from someone to use the toilet
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Inability to undo clothing and perform activities such as personal hygiene
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Resistance to help with going to the toilet
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Not making any attempt to find the toilet – this could be due to depression or lack of motivation, or because the person is distracted.
When a person’s dementia is more advanced incontinence develops because messages between the brain and the bladder or bowel don’t work properly. This may mean people don’t recognise that they have a full bladder or bowel, or have the control needed to empty them.
This can lead to:
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Embarrassment after accidents
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Challenging behaviour
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Increased risk of falls
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Skin rashes, infections and sores from constantly wet skin
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Increased risk of urinary tract infections
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Loss of confidence and social withdrawal
Helping a person with dementia who has incontinence issues can be challenging for the people caring for them. Our recent article 5 Ways to Make Visits to the Bathroom Safer for People Living with Dementia aims to provide some positive tips on ways to help.
Our top tips to manage incontinence:
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Change pads frequently to avoid smells
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Take care of their skin
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Try choosing clothing with elasticated waists, or fastenings with Velcro instead of zips and buttons for ease
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Try to ensure they eat plenty of fibre rich foods and stay hydrated to prevent constipation
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Consider bathroom adaptations such as hand rails and coloured toilet seats if they could help
Our top recommended product solutions are here to help overcome incontinence difficulties:
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Coloured Grab Rails – enable safer and more independent use of bathrooms.
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Toilet Seats and Frames – can help people to distinguish the toilet making it more visible and easier to locate.
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Room Signage – helps to remind people where the toilet is if they forget.
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Disposable Pads – help you manage the problem and carry on with normal life.
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Skin Care Wipes & Cleansing Solutions – help maintain hygiene and skin integrity for fragile and sore skin.
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Bed and Chair Protectors – washable and disposable products protect furniture from accidents.
Image source: Unsplash
