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:

• Slow reaction to needing to use the toilet

• Failing to get to the toilet in time

• Inability to communicate the need to go to the toilet

• Disorientation and inability to find, recognise, or use the toilet.

• Not understanding a prompt from someone to use the toilet

• Inability to undo clothing and perform activities such as personal hygiene

• Resistance to help with going to the toilet

• 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:

• Embarrassment after accidents

• Challenging behaviour

• Increased risk of falls

• Skin rashes, infections and sores from constantly wet skin

• Increased risk of urinary tract infections

• 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:

• Change pads frequently to avoid smells

• Take care of  their skin

• Try choosing clothing with elasticated waists, or fastenings with Velcro instead of zips and buttons for ease

• Try to ensure they eat plenty of fibre rich foods and stay hydrated to prevent constipation

• 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:

• Coloured Grab Rails  – enable safer and more independent use of bathrooms.

• Toilet Seats and Frames  – can help people to distinguish the toilet making it more visible and easier to locate.

• Room Signage – helps to remind people where the toilet is if they forget.

• Disposable Pads  – help you manage the problem and carry on with normal life.

• Skin Care Wipes & Cleansing Solutions  – help maintain hygiene and skin integrity for fragile and sore skin.

• Bed and Chair Protectors  – washable and disposable products protect furniture from accidents.

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