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.
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
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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