6 Tips for caregivers of seniors with incontinence:
Caring for an elderly person with urinary incontinence can be difficult, but with the right tips you can make this job easier in a more efficient and respectful way.
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Improve accessibility of toilets:
Leave the door open and no objects in the way to make it easier to get to the toilet. In case the elderly person gets lost in the location of the toilet, signal it with a strong color and during the night leave the light on.
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Easier to change clothes:
Choose clothes with Velcro or elastic straps, making it easier for the older person and you to change clothes.
- Clothing for older people with incontinence takes into account what it will be used for. With this in mind, they are produced with absorbent fabrics that help with small leaks, and with side Velcro openings or elastic straps, thinking about the number of changes that will be made.
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Schedule bathroom trips:
Establish schedules with intervals of 2 to 3 hours to help with going to the bathroom.
- If your elderly person forgets or does not feel like going to the toilet and there are unwanted accidents, plan the toilet visits yourself. In a notebook, write down the times when they go to the toilet or when there is a loss of urine, so that you can find the best times to go.
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Replace underwear with a diaper:
The use of a diaper or incontinence pad can bring confidence and security to the elderly against urine leakage.
- Keep an eye on the diaper, not allowing the wet diaper to stay in contact for too long, avoiding diaper rash. Always perform a good hygiene at each change, using a compress with warm water and neutral soap.
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Use absorbent covers:
The cover will help protect the mattress.
- They are highly absorbent and able to cover various surfaces, protecting your surroundings from involuntary urine leakage while maintaining the cleanliness of your home.
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Maintain dignity:
Caring for a loved one requires patience, understanding and a commitment to upholding the dignity of the older person.
- Be patient and understanding with your loved one, realize that they are not in an easy situation, that it must be complicated for them to understand what is happening. For example, the use of a diaper is difficult for an older person to use, since it is associated with babies.