How to Care for Someone with a Catheter

Caring for someone with a catheter can be a new and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with medical devices like these. Whether it’s for short-term use after surgery or a long-term solution for someone with a chronic condition, proper catheter care is essential to avoid complications such as infections and discomfort. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can feel confident in providing the best care for your loved one.

Understanding What a Catheter Is and Why It's Used

A catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the body to drain urine from the bladder. There are several types of catheters, including Foley catheters (which are inserted into the bladder via the urethra), intermittent catheters (used periodically to empty the bladder), and suprapubic catheters (inserted through the abdomen). A catheter may be necessary for individuals who are unable to urinate on their own due to conditions like spinal cord injuries, severe urinary retention, or surgeries affecting the urinary system.

When caring for someone with a catheter, it’s important to understand its purpose and function. You want to ensure that everything from the insertion site to the catheter itself remains clean and functioning correctly to avoid discomfort and potential health risks.

How to Maintain Proper Hygiene and Cleanliness for the Catheter

One of the most important aspects of catheter care is maintaining hygiene. Bacteria can easily enter the catheter and cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), so cleanliness is key.

It’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the catheter or any related equipment. Gently clean the catheter insertion site with mild soap and water daily. Be sure to wipe in a circular motion around the insertion area, starting from the site and working your way outward to avoid introducing germs.

You should also check the catheter tubing regularly for any kinks or blockages. Ensure the tubing is always kept free from twists and is positioned so that urine can flow freely. If your loved one is using a leg bag or drainage bag, clean it regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Pay attention to the skin around the insertion site as well. Redness, swelling, or irritation can signal infection. You may want to apply a gentle skin barrier cream or dressing around the insertion point to protect the skin and prevent friction.

How to Prevent Infections and Complications

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common concern when caring for someone with a catheter, but there are several steps you can take to minimize this risk.

Encourage your loved one to drink plenty of fluids. Adequate hydration is crucial for flushing out the urinary system and reducing the likelihood of infection.

Depending on the type of catheter being used, it may need to be replaced periodically. A healthcare provider will guide you on how often this should occur. Following these guidelines is essential to avoid complications.

Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, increased urgency or pain during urination, or redness and swelling around the catheter insertion site. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Managing Catheter Bags and Preventing Leaks

Properly managing catheter bags is vital to ensure comfort and minimize leaks. The drainage bag should always be positioned lower than the bladder to ensure proper urine flow and prevent backflow, which could lead to infections. If your loved one is using a leg bag, make sure it’s emptied frequently to avoid overfilling.

If you're using a larger drainage bag, empty it regularly throughout the day—when it’s about half full—to prevent overflows. Always clean the bag before and after each emptying to maintain cleanliness.

Watch for any leaks in the catheter or bag. If there’s leakage, the catheter may need adjustment, or the bag may need to be replaced. Leaks can be uncomfortable for the person with the catheter and create hygiene issues, so it’s important to address them promptly.

How to Provide Comfort to Someone with a Catheter

Aside from the technical aspects of catheter care, providing comfort is equally important. Make sure the catheter tubing isn’t pulling or causing discomfort. Positioning the tubing properly can prevent unnecessary pressure or irritation. If the person is bedridden, elevating their legs slightly can help avoid strain.

Choose loose-fitting clothes for your loved one to avoid constricting the catheter or bag. Specialized clothing designed for catheter use is available, offering both comfort and discretion.

Encourage mobility when possible. Keeping the catheter tubing straight and free from kinks is easier when the person can shift positions. Mobility also promotes circulation, which can prevent complications like pressure sores.

When to Seek Medical Help

There are times when, despite all precautions, you’ll need to reach out to a healthcare provider. If your loved one experiences any of the following, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling urine. Any indication of blockage or difficulty with urination. If the catheter becomes blocked or there is no urine drainage, it may need to be adjusted or replaced. Severe discomfort or pain, particularly around the catheter insertion site, could indicate a complication that requires professional attention.

Using Incontinence Supplies for Added Protection

Caring for someone with a catheter often involves managing other aspects of incontinence, such as leaks or accidents. Incontinence supplies like SPC quilted underpads, SPC reusable underwear, and SPC bladder control products can provide an added layer of protection, ensuring both comfort and dignity for your loved one.

SPC incontinence products are designed to handle high liquid absorption with less leakage, giving both the person with the catheter and their caregivers peace of mind, especially during overnight hours. The high absorbency of SPC products ensures that your loved one stays dry and comfortable, minimizing the risk of skin irritation or infections.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.