Incontinence is common among seniors with dementia, and addressing the condition requires a delicate approach from family caregivers in Kitchener. If your aging loved one is living with dementia, the KW in-home care experts at Home Care Assistance recommend following these tips to prevent occurrences of incontinence.
Offer Calm Reassurance
When incontinence occurs, seniors with dementia may react in varying ways. Though some seniors might not notice they have lost control of their bladders or bowels, others might be embarrassed or express anger. If your loved one experiences negative emotions, simply let him or her know everything is okay. Scolding or reprimanding will only exacerbate the situation.
Provide Restroom Reminders
Forgetfulness is a symptom that makes it harder for seniors with dementia to remember to go to the bathroom. Throughout the day, remind your loved one to use the restroom, and offer assistance with getting there. Pay special attention to times when your loved one is more likely to need to go, such as right after meals or drinking a lot of water.
Listen for Key Phrases
Seniors with dementia sometimes use words that have nothing to do with the bathroom to indicate they need to go. Watch for patterns right before your loved one goes to the bathroom, such as saying he or she cannot find a robe. Once you identify your loved one’s preferred words for using the restroom, respond quickly when they are said.
Remove Other Items from the Restroom
Seniors with dementia sometimes have difficulty perceiving what certain objects are, and it is possible to mistake other things in the bathroom for a toilet. Remove potted plants, wastebaskets, and laundry hampers from the restroom if your loved one is having accidents elsewhere.
Plan for Outings
When seniors have incontinence, it is best to keep their outings short. However, doctor visits and other appointments require going out. Bring along a change of clothing so you can help your loved one clean up quickly without embarrassment. If possible, find out where bathrooms are located beforehand so you can provide your loved one with a faster route that may prevent incontinence. You can also hire a Kitchener, ON, dementia home care professional to assist with your loved one’s bathroom needs on outings and at home.
Managing the symptoms of dementia can be challenging, but trained caregivers from Home Care Assistance can enhance your loved one’s quality of life. In addition to regular mental and social stimulation, our caregivers can assist your loved one with bathing, grooming, and a wide array of other important daily tasks. To learn more about the at-home care Kitchener, ON, families trust, call one of our experienced Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 to schedule a free in-home consultation.