Tips to Reduce the Stress of Incontinence Caregiving
For a variety of reasons, people's capacity to manage bladder and bowel processes can deteriorate as they age. The cause is sometimes reversible (such as a urinary tract infection). Other times, there is nothing that can be done. You can take actions to reduce stress for both you and your loved one if you're caring for someone who has incontinence.
These tips may assist you in coping:
Consult with your loved one's medical practitioner
Get a physical examination for any new episodes of bladder or bowel incontinence to see if the cause is curable. Even if your loved one has no other symptoms than incontinence, the problem could be caused by an underlying medical condition. If medical treatment resolves the incontinence problem, see your doctor again if it occurs again.
Always be prepared
If you're out and about together, pack a small tote bag with supplies like incontinence briefs or pads, wipes, and even a change of clothes in case you have an accident. Allowing your loved one to withdraw socially due to incontinence concerns is not a good idea. You can order incontinence products from here - https://confidenceclub.com.au/collections.
Wear clothing that is simple to put on and take off (or not)
Pants with an elastic waistband can be easily pulled down, allowing your loved one to use the restroom more quickly and potentially avoid an accident. If you must assist your loved one with clean-up, easy-off garments make it easier to undress and redress them.
People with dementia, on the other hand, may remove their clothing at inappropriate times and locations. You surely wouldn't want to clothe your loved one in apparel that is easy to remove in those circumstances.
Watch their diet
Certain meals aggravate both bladder and bowel incontinence. Caffeine (coffee, tea, and some sodas), chocolate, spicy foods, and a lot of fresh or dried fruit should all be avoided.
Be empathetic
One of the most stressful health conditions is losing control of bodily functions, so handle the situation with compassion and tact to soothe your loved one's concern. It may also assist you in reducing your own stress levels. Be kind to especially male loved ones as it would be really difficult for them to use incontinence products. Women are used to using sanitary napkins and accept incontinence products better than men. So, you must Buy men diapers Confidence Club Australia as they understand that male products cannot be similar to women’s products. They design and manufacture products, especially for men.
Follow a matter-of-fact approach
This approach is used by caregivers to overcome a client's shyness or shame, and you may apply it as well. “Oh, that's really awful you had an accident, but don't worry,” says with reassurance and candour. “It occurs to a large number of people. Allow me to assist you in getting washed up and dressed in some dry, comfortable clothing.”
It's OK if you have to fake this matter-of-fact tone at first if you find incontinence caregiving uncomfortable. You'll quickly discover that it comes extremely naturally to you.
In conclusion
Even the most experienced caregivers may struggle to deal with incontinent loved ones, especially elderlies suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.