Caring for someone with dementia-related incontinence
Dealing with incontinence is tough enough, but when it's the symptom of late-stage or advanced dementia, the physical and emotional struggles can get significantly worse.
However, there are ways to manage dementia-related incontinence effectively. So, if you're a professional or family caregiver, here are some effective ways you can deal with both urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence in a person with dementia.
Key Highlights
Why does dementia cause incontinence?
To properly manage their symptoms, it's important to understand the link between dementia and incontinence.
The cognitive decline associated with dementia can affect a person's ability to recognise and respond to the urge to use the bathroom. This leads to a loss of control over bladder and bowel function.
It can also impact their ability to tell you when they need to go, leading to missed opportunities to use the toilet in time.
On top of all this, dementia can lead to major physical changes - like weakened pelvic muscles or decreased bladder capacity - which can make it harder to get to the bathroom in time.
The different stages of dementia play different roles in how incontinence comes about. The earlier stages may lead to occasional episodes of incontinence, whereas in the late stages, continence issues become more frequent and severe.
Managing dementia-related incontinence
Although a tricky challenge, there are ways you can tackle dementia-related incontinence, manage the symptoms as they arise, and even avoid them altogether.
Manage medication
Managing medication for someone with dementia can be tough, but it's important to keep track of all medications and dosages so they're taken as prescribed.
If you're a caregiver for someone with dementia-related incontinence, make sure you speak with a health professional about:
- Their medication schedule
- Whether any adjustments will be necessary
- The possibility of side effects and adverse reactions.
Create a bathroom schedule
A good way to manage incontinence for people with dementia is to create a bathroom schedule. This means setting regular times for them to use the toilet, even if they don't feel any kind of urge to go.
Establishing a routine can help caregivers reduce the risk of accidents and help the patient maintain continence.
It's important to be consistent with the bathroom schedule and to encourage the patient to use the toilet even if they resist or seem reluctant.
This routine helps manage episodes of incontinence by making sure they have plenty of time to reach the bathroom.
Keep a bathroom within easy reach
Managing functional incontinence - incontinence caused by lack/inability of access - is just as important as any kind of dementia-related incontinence.
Usually, people with dementia are older and physically impaired, meaning they take longer to get from place to place.
With this in mind, caregivers should consider the following to keep functional incontinence as little a problem as possible.
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Keep bathrooms easily accessible and well-lit with clear signage to help the person with dementia get around more easily.
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Offer a portable toilet or commode in the bedroom/living area to make getting to the toilet more convenient, and to reduce the risk of accidents. This is especially useful for nursing home residents or those with physical disabilities who may struggle with getting around easily.
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Provide mobility aids like grab bars or raised toilet seats to make it easier for them to use the bathroom independently - reducing the risks of physical and continence accidents.
Use absorbent products
Incontinence pads and pants can be lifesavers when managing accidents or providing protection for the patient or your loved one. They come in a range of sizes and absorbency levels, so you can choose the right product for their needs.
There are also a range of nighttime incontinence products to consider, including bed pads and mattress protectors. These are great for keeping expensive furniture and upholstery protected from accidents.
In addition to incontinence pads, disposable gloves are ideal for changing products to maintain hygiene and protect both the caregiver and the patient from infection.
Monitor their fluid intake
Monitoring fluid intake is important when managing incontinence in people with dementia. While it might seem tempting to limit fluids to reduce the frequency of incontinence, they should actually stay well-hydrated.
Dehydration can lead to more concentrated urine, irritating the bladder and worsening symptoms of overactive bladder. Instead, encourage regular drinking throughout the day, and just try to limit fluids in the evening if night time incontinence is an issue.
Communication!
To protect their dignity and your relationship with someone with dementia, you should learn to find ways to communicate effectively, including:
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Being empathetic and respectful.
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Using simple and clear language.
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Nonverbal cues like facial expressions and gestures convey meaning.
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Allowing adequate time for the person to respond and avoid interrupting or rushing them.
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Visual aids like pictures or written prompts to ease communication.
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Providing reassurance and positive reinforcement.
Maintain good hygiene
Incontinence comes with a range of hygiene problems like skin irritation and infection, so good hygiene practices are vital to keep everyone safe and healthy.
This includes keeping the person's genitals and bottom clean throughout the day using warm water and soap and applying a barrier cream to protect the skin.
You should also regularly change their incontinence pads or pants, and clean any soiled clothes/bedding as soon as needed.
Be sure to wear disposable gloves - or have a pair handy at any point during the day - to help you do this safely.
Consider different behavioural approaches
Behavioural approaches are non-medical interventions that can help manage incontinence in people with dementia, especially those experiencing cognitive decline and advanced dementia.
- Prompted voiding is one approach that involves reminding the person to use the toilet regularly - either verbally or through visual cues.
- Habit training is another approach that involves creating a routine of using the toilet at specific times.
When used together, these approaches can be especially effective for nursing home residents or those receiving respite care.
Seek out emotional support when needed
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming at times, and dealing with incontinence issues adds all-new stress.
It's important to look for support and advice from health professionals, care homes, support groups, or even other caregivers who have experienced similar challenges.
They can offer advice on urinary and faecal incontinence, offer emotional support, and help you feel less isolated if that's how you're feeling.
Professional support
Caring for a loved one with dementia and incontinence can be a physically and emotionally draining task. If you feel like you aren't able to deal with it on a regular basis, it might be worth considering more professional support.
Home health aides and nurses usually have more experience caring for people with dementia and incontinence and can offer much-needed help with tasks like:
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Maintaining hygiene
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Respite care
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Medication management
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Emotional support
Care homes
There are also care homes that specialise in dementia care and can offer professional support for those with advanced continence issues related to dementia.
These facilities are much more equipped to handle the long list of needs of their residents, providing round-the-clock care and attention.
Manage dementia-related incontinence symptoms confidently with Incontinence UK
Managing incontinence symptoms for someone with dementia can be a huge challenge, but Incontinence UK is here to make it easier.
With our wide range of high-quality incontinence products, including incontinence pads, pants, briefs, and more, we offer the perfect solutions to help you care for your loved one.
Plus, with our convenient Subscribe & Save option, you will save 10% on every order and enjoy discreet, convenient doorstep delivery.
