How to Care for Senior with Incontinence

Caring for the elderly is challenging, especially if they are a senior with incontinence. Accidental bladder leaks or bedwetting in older adults requires bathing, changing into dry clothes, and laundering bed sheets. Luckily, there are caregiving resources and incontinence products available to make life easier.

Is urinary incontinence common in the elderly?

Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging. Bladder and pelvic muscles tend to weaken with age, resulting in a loss of control over bladder and bowel movements. A medical condition, such as urinary tract infection or prostate issues, may result in incontinence in the elderly. Certain medications may also include incontinence as a side effect.

What are signs of urinary incontinence in seniors?

Wetting the bed, unpleasant odors, and soiling one’s undergarments are tell-tale signs of incontinence. Incontinence can also happen while laughing, during physical exercise, or when lifting heavy objects. The severity of leakage depends on the type of incontinence. 

If someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms of incontinence, it is important to see a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. This can help rule out any possible underlying medical conditions that may be resulting in incontinence. 

How to care for elderly with incontinence at home?

Caring for elderly with incontinence at home requires patience and understanding. Seniors may feel embarrassed about their condition and should be treated with dignity. The following can help manage incontinence in seniors:

• Incontinence supplies
• Bladder training
• Proper toileting habits
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Avoiding caffeine

There are a variety of incontinence products such as adult diapers, bed pads, reusable underwear and liners that can help manage incontinence leaks. Incontinence can also be managed with proper toileting habits such as bladder training and completely emptying one’s bladder before bed. Exercising regularly (if possible) and practicing kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which aids bladder and bowel movements. Avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and energy drinks can also reduce incontinence symptoms.

What is an in-home caregiver for incontinence?

Many seniors prefer to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. In-home caregivers are individuals who can assist with incontinence management in elderly. While family caregivers can provide compassionate care to their elderly loved one, an in-home caregiver can help improve quality of life for both the patient and family.

Incontinence caregivers can help establish a regular bathroom routine to encourage the senior to use the bathroom on a scheduled basis. This can help train their bladder as well as prevent unwanted incontinence leaks. In-home caregivers can also assist with maintaining proper hygiene, diaper changes, and bathing.

Alternative Care Options for Seniors with Incontinence

Alternative care options for seniors include assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health services, and hospice. Communicating with your loved one’s primary care provider is a good way to determine available options that are best appropriate for their condition. 

Are incontinence supplies covered by Medicare?

Incontinence supplies are not covered by Medicare. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover the costs of absorbent products, including incontinence supplies or adult diapers. This means you may have to pay 100% out-of-pocket.

Are incontinence supplies covered by Medicaid?

Most state Medicaid plans will cover incontinence products when prescribed by a physician for use in chronic pathologic conditions that cause incontinence. Consult your provider on how to receive low-cost or free incontinence supplies for seniors.

San Pablo Commercial is a family-owned, small business with a mission to deliver affordable medical supplies to their customers. We offer a variety of incontinence products including SPC underpads, adult diapers, disposable bed pads for incontinence, incontinence briefs, and more. We care deeply about our customers and want to make ordering incontinence supplies easier so that they can spend less time cleaning up spills and messes.