Incontinence: Tips, Equipment and Techniques
This Fact Sheet accompanies the Incontinence class in the Techniques for Everyday Tasks classroom.
Problems with incontinence may be caused by
- Moving too slow to make it to the toilet in time
- Clothing may be too complicated to pull down quickly
- Loss of sensation of needing to use the toilet
- Inability to tell a someone that he/she needs to use the toilet
Medical reasons for incontinence
- Urinary tract infection or prostate enlargement or infection
- Side effects of medications
- Impaired nervous system
- Pelvic muscle weakness
- Pelvic, prostate, or rectal surgery
- Stress or fear
Physical aspects of incontinence
- Keep the skin dry, clean and well lubricated
- Recognize changes in skin condition to prevent skin problems
- When the skin is too dry, moisten it with ointment or lotion
- When the skin is too moist, dry it with powder or cornstarch
- Change wet pads and clothes often
- Use soft pads and clothing and keep them wrinkle free
Tips to prevent or decrease incontinence
- Establish a regular schedule for toileting
- Start the schedule first thing in the morning, continue with two-hour intervals, and adjust as necessary
- Use the same routine every time
- Learn to tell the signs or facial expression of the person needing to use the toilet
- Place a commode or urinal at the bedside at night
- Use toilet before leaving the house and/or when arriving at destination
- Limit the intake of liquids after dinner and in the evening to help control incontinence at night time
- Provide reminders to use the bathroom
- Don’t wait for the person to tell you he/she has to use the bathroom
Take the pressure of incontinence by
- Using washable chair cushion covers
- Waterproof cushions by sliding them in a garbage bag
- Waterproof bed by putting a plastic mattress cover over mattress
- Putting washable or disposable pad in bed to protect the linens
- Using incontinence pads, diapers, or absorptive underwear
- Changing clothing immediately after an accident
- Taking extra pads and clothing when going outside house
Websites for Incontinence Products
- www.allegromedical.com
- (go to Incontinence and look under the various categories)
- http://sammonspreston.com/
- (go to Personal Care)
- http://www.elderestore.com
- (go to Incontinence and look under various categories)
- http://www.medsupplyco.com
- (go to Product catalog and then Incontinence and/or Skin Care and look under the various categories)
- http://www.seniorshops.com/index.html
- (go to Feel Better and then Incontinence Items)
- http://www. betterhealthcareproducts.com
- (look under Incontinent Products)
- http://www .walgreens.com
- (look under Home Medical and then Incontinence)
- http://www.sears.com/
- (look under “Catalogs” find Health and Wellness and then Incontinence)
Local Stores for Incontinence products
- Eckerd and Walgreens (may vary by store)
- Lotions and toilettes
- Pads, shields, undergarments
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