Many common causes of urinary incontinence in seniors can be treated by doctors.
Urinary Incontinence, or reduced bladder control, is a disturbing and delicate issue, particularly for seniors. It can trigger a number of problems, from skin sores to social reclusiveness for individuals who are uncomfortable with leaving home in case of an “accident.” But while bladder leakage causes approximately 25 million people in America to suffer with difficulties, the affliction seldom receives the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of communication and facts about elderly incontinence, many older individuals and those who provide their care feel as though there isn’t anything that can be done about it.
However, urinary incontinence in seniors is not unavoidable as we age. While many older individuals do discover that their bladders may be “weak,” causing leaks, sometimes the issue has a quick and easy solution.
Following are just a few bladder leakage causes that can be treated:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs, otherwise known as bladder infections, cause an overwhelming need to pass urine. In younger people, this sensation is noticeable, but it isn’t always as recognizable for older adults. If an older person presents with sudden urinary incontinence when this wasn’t a difficulty before, check for additional indicators that suggest a UTI, such as:
- Sudden confusion or agitation
- Hallucinations
- Other behavioral changes
- Poor motor skills
- Falls
You may also discover:
- Strong smelling urine
- Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
- Fever
- Complaints of pain when urinating
- Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
- Night sweats
If you believe your loved one may have a UTI, the senior needs to be evaluated by the doctor and have his or her urine checked. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be remedied or lessened.
Loss of mobility
As mobility reduces, incontinence can develop into an issue. The need to urinate might come on abruptly and the older person may not be able to get to the bathroom fast enough. This could also be an issue in the evenings, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the restroom, and waking up in the middle of the night can also cause some confusion.
For older individuals with mobility issues, an in-home evaluation from one of our home care specialists can help offer suggestions.
Medications
Certain drugs, such as diuretics, boost the level of urine produced, causing an increased urge to urinate. If your loved one is on a prescription that boosts urine production, it is crucial to keep this in mind whenever the senior has to leave the house or is not close to a readily available bathroom.
At Advanced Home Health Care, experts in home health and memory care in Mt. Pleasant and surrounding areas, we understand how UTIs, senior incontinence, and other senior health issues can impact quality of life. Our highly trained Mt. Pleasant home health care team provides a wide range of home care services throughout several Iowa counties, including mobility and toileting assistance, medication reminders, bathing and grooming assistance and more, to help your older loved one live his or her best life. Reach out to us today online or at 800.791.7785 to learn more about our expert home care services.
