Loss of bowel regulation can be caused by a variety of factors, so if your older folk is having issues, the first place you should go to is a physician’s office or a specialized therapist to determine the underlying trigger. Incontinence can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of medical disorders, including urinary tract infections, which are readily treated with medicine. Although your loved one may be reluctant to address incontinence difficulties with you, it is necessary to do so to successfully deal with the problem. If you fear mom or dad is suffering in silence, here are some suggestions to improve urinary continence.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Obesity can put a strain on the bladder, compromise the pelvic floor muscles, and lead to urine incontinence. Strive for a desirable weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. Keep up with enough water intake too!
Avoid Bladder Irritants
Although a change in diet will not cure urine incontinence, it will help to improve bowel control. Alcohol and fizzy drinks, for example, might put a strain on your bladder. It might be made worse by consuming tea or coffee while taking prescription medicine. Milk, honey, and extremely spicy dishes are all bladder allergens to shun.
Encourage Pelvic Floor Exercises
A set of muscles known as the pelvic floor supports the organs in the pelvis. The rectum and bladder are among these organs, as is the uterus in the female pelvis. Pelvic floor muscles help regulate bladder and bowel movements. They, like any other muscle, can be damaged or impaired. Pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and some forms of surgery can all play a role, but these muscles can also weaken over time as a result of natural aging.
These exercises should be done eight to 12 times every session, three times per day if feasible, according to a regular schedule. It is recommended that you follow this regimen for a minimum of 15 weeks. Your doctor can discuss your parents’ conditions with you and determine whether they should adopt a different frequency. It takes time to develop pelvic floor muscles, so be patient and urge mom or dad to stay motivated on it.
Delay Urination and Stick to a Routine
You can delay urination by progressively increasing the duration between trips to the bathroom. Double voiding, which is when an individual pees, waits a few minutes, and then pees again, is another option. This educates the person to completely empty their bladder.
For older persons, notably those with dementia, having a consistent daily bathroom routine is beneficial. It’s also a wonderful technique to get their body processes in the habit of occurring at specific times. Ask mom or dad to use the toilet at periodic times to establish a schedule. Experiment to determine the ideal timeframe for their body, and then adhere to it.
Urinary incontinence in older persons can be managed in a variety of ways. If your older family member is suffering from this condition, ensure they are receiving the assistance and therapy they require to bring it under management as quickly as possible. You can have mom or dad see their physician again if you believe their present therapies aren’t responding that well and require a reassessment.
