Tips For Managing Urinary Incontinence In Seniors

Victoria Senior Health  |  September 24, 2019

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Managing Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence | Urinary incontinence is a common problem among older adults. When untreated, incontinence can take a toll on a person’s health and social connections and severely damage their self-esteem.

Fortunately, incontinence can be easily managed with physician-approved lifestyle changes and treatments.

How Urinary Incontinence Occurs

When we urinate, the muscles in the bladder tighten and move the urine into a tube known as the urethra. Simultaneously, the muscles surrounding the urethra tend to relax to allow the elimination of urine from the body.

Incontinence happens when muscles in and around the bladder are not working properly. Involuntary leakage of urine can occur over short periods, often caused by a urinary infection, constipation, or as a side effect of prescribed medications.

Diagnosing and Treating Urinary Incontinence

Depending on the severity of your loved one’s symptoms, a specialist may recommend:

• A urinalysis to rule out an infection or blood in the urine
• Blood tests to examine calcium and glucose levels and whether the kidneys are working properly
• A thorough physical exam
• Medication to treat an overactive bladder
• A low-impact exercise regimen to strengthen the pelvic muscles
• A surgical procedure if nothing else seems to improve the condition

Four Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence at Home

Certain lifestyle changes can help your parent to lessen the symptoms and manage their incontinence more adequately:

Tip #1. Pelvic muscle exercises:

This is a regular regimen that focuses on strengthening the pelvic muscles and it can eliminate incontinence in some cases.

Tip #2. Timed bathroom breaks:

Sticking to a pre-determined restroom schedule can help aging adults with urge and overflow incontinence.

Tip #3. Fluid and diet management:

Your loved one should seek advice from their physician about introducing certain dietary changes and what food and drinks to avoid.

Tip #4. Behavioural changes:

Some lifestyle choices can make incontinence worse. Among other things, your loved one should avoid drinking alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine, quit smoking, and refrain from lifting heavy objects.

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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