Try: Incontinence is a common problem in many older individuals here are some possible methods to reduce incontinence issues in the Care recipient (cr) observe assess and log the cr’s behavior such as when the accidents happen how often is the person urinating in improper places such as flower pots closets sink or on the way to the bathroom the cr should be examined by a physician to determine possible causes such as medication infections or other medical cause and conduct a continence diagnostic evaluation the sensation to drink fluids in persons with dementia may be diminished; ensure adequate fluid intake in the cr set up a regular schedule with specific times for the person to drink and eat determine toileting behavior then set up a schedule to accommodate the cr before he she needs to urinate toilet before and after meals and immediately before going to bed make sure the person actually urinates before getting off the toilet use appropriate communication skills with the cr do one step at a time to communicate the instructions of how to toilet watch for nonverbal cues from the older adult such as reaching for a belt tugging at zipper or taking pants down don’t forget to praise the older adult for success while avoiding reprimanding when the older adult has had an accident simplify clothing by using elastic waistband velcro instead of zippers or buttons also select clothing that is washable and does not need ironing wearing underpants or disposable undergarments serves as a reminder to stay dry and as a stimulus to use the toilet when wet change clothing when wet keeping the cr’s skin clean after the accident to avoid rashes and sores put a sign on the bathroom door using a familiar word such as ‘bathroom’ or a picture of a toilet large enough for the cr to see information references adapted from understanding difficult behaviors robinson a spencer b & white l 1992
Materials: n/a
Categories: Behavior Challenging, Medical Physical
Information: n/a
References: n/a
Keywords: Incontinence
*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed