Dealing with incontinence:

Your loved one may be experiencing incontinence.

The changes in a person’s brain that occur as one

gets older can interfere with their ability to:

• Recognize the need to go to the toilet.

• Wait until it is appropriate to go to the toilet.

• Find the toilet.

• Recognize the toilet.

• Use the toilet properly.

• Understand they need help.

• Ask for help.

 

If your loved one is experiencing incontinence, the first thing to do is see a doctor. There may be other reasons for the problem, which may be treatable.  Be aware of your loved one’s body language. If they are fidgeting, undressing, pacing, or otherwise agitated, it may be because they feel the need to use the toilet. If you see this behavior, ask your loved one if they need to use the bathroom or guide them towards the bathroom without asking. If so, go with them and provide any assistance that’s needed. It may help to:

• Use short, simple words to give step-by-step instructions. For example, “Sit down.”

• Use words that are familiar to the person, such as “pee” or “tinkle.”

• Do not rush the person.

• Reassure them.

 

For the long-term incontinence management, try to develop a regular toileting schedule.

This will help reinforce to your loved one why they are there. Here’s some other things that may help:

• Use a contrasting color for the toilet seat, as many people with Alzheimer’s suffer from depth perception.

• Make sure there is a night light or motion light in the bathroom.

• If your loved one is the only one using the bathroom, remove the door.

• Purchase clothing that can be easily removed.

• Use a bedside commode or urinal.

 

If your loved one still faces challenges, adult diapers and protective bed pads are useful tools.