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How Older Adults can Prevent Urinary Incontinence

Glasses on a paper that reads 'Incontinence'Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing condition that any elderly adult should have to go through. Even if they are able to feel as though they need to empty their bladder, many seniors with this condition are unable to make it to a restroom before an accident occurs.

This is an embarrassing condition that most older adults do not like to talk about, including with their doctor. Fortunately, there is something known as bladder training that may be able to eliminate this problem altogether. It is not an easy task for the elder to do alone, so hiring a senior care provider may be needed. If you are wondering if this is a good choice for your loved one, here is some information on bladder training that will help you make your decision.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Bladder training is used primarily for urinary incontinence. If your loved one has any of the following conditions, this training method may be the right choice for them.

  • Urge incontinence: The sudden urge to use the bathroom that is caused when the bladder becomes too full. Someone with this type often is unable to reach the bathroom
  • Stress incontinence: Feeling extreme pressure on the abdomen, causing the bladder to leak
  • Overflow incontinence: Trouble completely emptying the bladder, causing it to leak
  • Mixed incontinence: A mixture of urge and stress incontinence

Bladder Training Techniques

Here are the steps used for bladder training in order to strengthen this muscle.

  • Write it down. Does your loved one have accidents at certain times of the day? Write it down to see if there is a pattern. Then, make sure they are going to the bathroom 15 minutes before they usually have to go.
  • Have them hold it. If your elderly parent has to use the bathroom, encourage them to hold it for five minutes or so. Then, gradually increase their wait time until they are able to hold it for three to four hours. This is an excellent way to strengthen the bladder muscles.
  • Practice Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are used to prevent the flow of ruined from leaking. To do this, the senior should practice squeezing the muscles that are normally squeezed when trying to hold their urine. This should be done every 10 seconds with a 10 second rest time.

Urinary incontinence is not a condition anyone wants to have, especially because it can happen out of nowhere and with very little warning. However, bladder training may be the help your loved one needs to get better control over their bladder.

Source:
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/bladder-training-techniques

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN WESTON, MA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. CALL NOW (508) 952-6219.

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