---
title: "Continence Management for People Living With Dementia: Our Top Tips and Solutions for Maintaining Dignity"
description: When a person’s dementia is advanced incontinence develops because messages between the brain and the bladder or bowel don’t work properly.
---

[HCS Knowledge Centre](https://knowledge-centre.hcsuk.co.uk)

# [Continence Management for People Living With Dementia: Our Top Tips and Solutions for Maintaining Dignity](https://knowledge-centre.hcsuk.co.uk/continence-management-for-people-living-with-dementia)

 Written by [HCSUK](https://knowledge-centre.hcsuk.co.uk/author/hcsuk) | Jun 15, 2023 11:58:56 AM

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](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-dementia-progresses/later-stages) 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](https://hcsuk.co.uk/making-bathrooms-safer-for-dementia-patients/) 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](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcs-catalogue/dementia/toilet-bathroom-aids/grab-rails/) – enable safer and more independent use of bathrooms.
- [Toilet Seats and Frames ](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcsuk-catalogue/dementia/dementia-toilet-bathroom-aids/toilet-seats-1/) – can help people to distinguish the toilet making it more visible and easier to locate.
- [Room Signage](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcs-catalogue/dementia/room-identification/signage/)– helps to remind people where the toilet is if they forget.
- [Disposable Pads](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/continence-management/) – help you manage the problem and carry on with normal life.
- [Skin Care Wipes & Cleansing Solutions](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcs-catalogue/medical-supplies/wipes/) – help maintain hygiene and skin integrity for fragile and sore skin.
- [Bed and Chair Protectors](https://hcsuk.co.uk/product-category/hcsuk-catalogue/housekeeping/textiles/bedding-protection/)  – washable and disposable products protect furniture from accidents.

Image source: Unsplash

 

[View full post](https://knowledge-centre.hcsuk.co.uk/continence-management-for-people-living-with-dementia)

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