Elder Care Services and Overactive Bladder Care

Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  June 13, 2017

Overactive Bladder Care for Seniors

Overactive Bladder Care | Overactive bladders and the corresponding symptoms are common among seniors, especially women in Calgary, AB. There are many reasons why a senior might experience urinary incontinence due to an overactive bladder. Whatever the cause may be, there are ways in which it can be managed by elder care services to improve the daily life of the elderly person.

Reasons for urinary incontinence in seniors

For women, the pelvic floor muscles are what controls urinary flow. As we get older, the pelvic floor muscles weaken, which means urine can empty the bladder when certain pressures are applied from laughing, sneezing or certain movements.

Certain foods and drinks such as caffeine and alcohol consumption can affect the urinary flow as well. Foods with a high acid content can also be a trigger for urinary incontinence. Conditions such as diabetes, bladder stones, an enlarged prostate, and constipation can also affect bladder control, leading to urinary incontinence. Elder care services from Comfort Keepers in Calgary, AB can help your senior loved one manage daily symptoms.

Calgary, AB elder care services and care for seniors with overactive bladder

Urinary incontinence and other overactive bladder symptoms can cause embarrassment for seniors, understandably. It can cause them to feel a loss of dignity and control. By keeping this in mind, you can cater your interactions with them to restore their dignity and pride, by letting them know it is completely normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Creating a safe environment in which seniors feel comfortable to talk about their problems is very crucial.

Women with an overactive bladder and urinary incontinence can really benefit from elder care services and activities like practicing Kegel exercises. This is when the pelvic muscles are contracted and then released, to strengthen them and provide better urinary control. Let them know that these exercises are practiced by women of all ages and can really help with bladder-related problems.

Make a note of when urinary incontinence occurs. You may find that there is a pattern related to certain foods, for example tomatoes, citrus or caffeine may greatly affect bladder control. Take note of what time of day the problems are most likely to occur, and suggest a regular toilet routine based on the troublesome times. As with most people, drinking a lot of fluid before bed is not a good idea, so make sure to suggest a no-liquid plan for at least 2 hours before bed time.

There are products designed especially for urinary incontinence in seniors. Pads and inserts are a great idea for those who want to maintain a certain lifestyle but want to feel protected. Consult the doctor as well, as medication or devices could be a viable option for your senior loved one.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Overactive Bladder Care for Seniors

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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