Incontinence and Parents: Buying the Right Products and Staying Prepared

Caring for aging parents is one of the most stressful stages in life. Mentally and emotionally, it's a challenge to countenance a reality in which the provider and caregiver suddenly becomes the one in need of care, but for the children, it's a role that's willingly assumed.

Incontinence
One specific area that's often tricky and very much uncomfortable to deal with -- for both parties -- is incontinence. There can be a number of causes for this issue, from dementia or a medication side effect to the sad reality that parents aren't physically able to make it to the toilet in time. Whatever the reason, it can be embarrassing and frustrating for both the parent and the caregiver. Below are a few tips to help deal with a parent who's incontinent.

Acknowledge the Issue
A parent with dementia might not be aware of accidents when they occur, or even after, or shame might compel them to hide the fact. Caregivers, if they are the children, might also be reluctant to accept that an accident was not a one-time occurrence but rather a new reality.

Failing to acknowledge a parent's incontinence will only lead to more accidents by not being prepared, and it will perpetuate a feeling of shame.

Take Proactive Steps to Curb Accidents
For overactive bladders, eliminating caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and soda, will reduce the urge to urinate. When a parent feels the need to go, it's important for them to communicate with their caregiver to ensure they're helped to the bathroom in time. Additionally, their wardrobe should consist of clothing that's easy to quickly remove, and parents should consider wearing incontinence products like adult briefs or underwear liners.

Creating a log of daily bathroom use is also helpful for devising a schedule for bathroom breaks. If the eating schedule is consistent day after day, the bathroom schedule will be as well.

Buying Incontinence Products for Parents
Despite taking measures to prevent them, accidents will still occur, and eventually making it to the bathroom at all will cease to be an option. Thus it's important to have incontinence products on hand at all times. They include adult diapers, wipes and other cleansers, moisturizers and medicated creams to prevent sores. 

Incontinence is an unfortunate reality of getting old, but being prepared is the best way to get through this difficult stage in life.