Tips for Helping a Senior with Parkinson’s Disease Cope with Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a very common symptom among the approximately one million people throughout the United States who are living with Parkinson’s disease. As a family caregiver, it is important to help your aging loved-one manage this symptom in a way that is effective and healthy, but also respectful and dignified. This not only can help to protect their physical health but their mental and emotional well-being as well.
Use these tips to help a senior with PD cope with urinary incontinence:
-Talk to their doctor as soon as possible after your parent begins to notice incontinence issues. This can allow the doctor to determine if your parent might be struggling with an infection or another issue that can be readily addressed.
-Encourage your parent to approach their incontinence with honesty rather than shame, acknowledging that it is something that happens with their disease and that they deserve care, support, and respect while managing their progression. This can help to reduce the urge for your parent to hide their symptoms or try to avoid talking about them, which can have uncomfortable side effects.
-Work with your parent to find the incontinence products that are right for them. There are many options on the market these days, and not all will be appropriate for your senior. Look for mail order companies that will send samples to your senior to try so they can find the one that is most comfortable and most effective.
-Make this management a regular part of your routine. If you are going somewhere, check ahead of time to find the restrooms so they are easy to access. Bring along a kit with extra management products, wipes, and a change of clothing.
-Encourage your parent to avoid fluids too close to the bed.
-Encourage your parent to practice bladder training. This involves going to the restroom at the same times throughout the day, even without the urge. Eventually, the body learns to eliminate at these times.
-Avoid potential complications by making sure your parent stays clean and dry. If they are uncomfortable with you helping them to bathe, consider starting elderly care for them so they will have access to respectful, dignified, and effective assistance with this important task.
Simply because your parent is getting older doesn’t mean they can’t continue to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle. At this stage in their life, they have fewer responsibilities and obligations, which means it is the ideal time for them to discover more about themselves, try new experiences, learn new things, and enjoy themselves.
Having an elderly care provider as a part of their care routine can help your senior live to the fullest. An elderly home care services provider offers the type of services that are right for your parent while encouraging them to stay independent, express themselves, and respect their autonomy and individuality. As their family caregiver, this can help you to feel more confident that they are enjoying the type of life they deserve, while meeting their individual needs effectively.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Woodbridge, VA, please call the caring staff at Care Hands Home Care today. Call 703-334-2862
Source:
Parkinson.org/Statistics
Parkinson.org/Urinary-Incontinence