Overcoming the Social and Emotional Impact of Incontinence

Blog  |  October 27, 2015

Imagine planning your life around the fear that you may lose bladder control. Perhaps you’ll begin to dine with friends less or skip social functions to avoid the embarrassment of frequent trips to the bathroom. While the prevalence of urinary incontinence increases with age, it is not a normal part of aging. It can, however, have a noticeable impact on the emotions and lives of those suffering from it.

Older adults suffering from incontinence often battle depression and anxiety because of negative perceptions about their inability to control basic bodily functions. This can trigger a vicious cycle where the sufferer starts to withdraw from activities once enjoyed and begins to lose self-efficacy, which in turn contributes to depression.

This withdrawal may also cause the senior to become more dependent on others’ help for shopping or running errands, and with personal hygiene. For family, this change can be the catalyst for sending their parent to a nursing home, which can be costly and further reduce the senior’s quality of life as they lose independence.

Seniors experiencing incontinence should speak with their doctor about the problem. There are many treatments and home therapies for curing or managing. If the senior is suffering from depression and anxiety over the condition, a doctor can refer to a professional trained in helping with incontinence issues.

Families who are concerned about a senior family member’s health and hygiene can also seek the help of professional in-home caregivers, such as Comfort Keepers®, who are trained in incontinence management and can assist with personal hygiene. Families can also offer support to the individual and let them know that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of and that the condition can be treated while leaving the senior’s dignity intact.

Blaine Bell, Owner – Belcare, dba Comfort Keepers serving The Georgian Triangle.

Contact: blainebell@comfortkeepers.ca or 705-293-5553 for free assessments of at-home care needs.

The material in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not meant as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or legal, financial or any other professional services advice.

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