He helped you take the first steps of your life. He is your real-life hero.
Yes. We are talking about your father. It is tough to watch your father suffer from incontinence. Caring for your father could be a challenge.
How do you help your father overcome this situation?
In this post, you will learn a few pointers that will help you take care of your elders.
1. Adopt a Collaborative Approach
It is essential to keep in mind that talking and counseling are the best ways out. You need to keep in mind that incontinence could cause embarrassment among elders.
The word could cause emotions to run high. In order to tackle such a situation, it is essential that you adopt a collaborative approach.
Here are some suggestions to get the conversation going.
- Pick the Correct Time: Look for a quiet, private time when you can freely discuss the topic without interruptions.
- Identify the Sensitivity: Tell him that you’re there to support him, not to pass judgment and that you understand that this may be a touchy subject.
- Actively Hear: Allow him the opportunity to share his feelings and views regarding his experience. Sometimes, his anxiousness might be reduced merely by knowing that someone is paying attention.
- Stay Away from Medical Jargon: Excessive use of technical terms might make the discussion seem overpowering or clinical, so keep it relevant and straightforward.
Take your father to a doctor and find out the best treatment options available. Keep in mind that you need to respect the privacy and sensitivity involved while discussing this matter with your father.
2. Learn About Incontinence Types and Causes
You can offer more specialized support if you are aware of the many forms of adult enuresis or incontinence and the factors that contribute to them. These are the primary forms of incontinence.
- Stress Incontinence: When the bladder is physically compressed, as happens when you cough, sneeze, or move large objects, you may experience leaks.
- Urge Incontinence: This condition is characterized by an abrupt, strong need to urinate and subsequent involuntary leaking. People with specific illnesses, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, frequently experience it.
- Overflow Incontinence: This condition is caused by the bladder not emptying entirely, which results in frequent or continuous urine dribbling.
- Functional Incontinence: Refers to physical or cognitive restrictions that hinder a person from using the restroom on time.
3. Select the Best Adult Diapers
Disposable adult diapers might be the best option leading an everyday life. However, the word diaper might raise red flags. After all, diapers are for babies.
In such cases, you need to educate your father about the advantages of using urinary and fecal incontinence products. It is crucial to select the diaper based on adult diaper sizes, lifestyle, proper fit and severity of incontinence from moderate to heavy.
Disposable diapers offer a high absorbency level and are discreetly ordered online. There are several types of men’s incontinence products available online, such as adult diaper sizes, briefs, bed pads, and disposable and reusable diapers.
It is advisable to go for the best underwear for urine leakage or the best incontinence pads for elderly available at the moment; however, if you are confused about the product, try a sample pack.
4. Encourage Medical Consultation
If your father hasn’t seen a medical professional regarding his incontinence, urge him to do so. A medical professional or expert can accurately diagnose him, provide suitable remedies, and rule out underlying medical conditions that could be causing his symptoms.
The following are a few potential incontinence treatments.
- Medication: Some medications may assist in enhancing bladder control or lessen bladder contractions.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises that target the muscles controlling urine, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the pelvic floor.
- Surgery: Surgery may be a possibility to give more long-lasting relief in extreme situations.
5. Use a Protective Waterproof Mattress
While you are caring for your father, keep in mind the stress associated with frequent clothes changes or laundry. Use a waterproof mattress that will help you minimize such hassles.
6. Suggest Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
A number of dietary and lifestyle modifications can aid in the proper management of incontinence. Your father should be encouraged to make the following changes.
- Avoid Bladder Irritants: By irritating the bladder, several foods and beverages, such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy meals, and acidic fruits, can make incontinence worse. Motivate him to recognize and lessen these stressors.
- Keep Weight in Check: Carrying too much weight might strain the bladder. This tension can be lessened by promoting a nutritious diet and frequent exercise.
- Do Regular Exercise: Exercises like Kegel exercises or mild yoga that target the pelvic floor and core muscles can help with bladder control.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to bladder cancer, another possible cause of incontinence, and can induce chronic coughing, which can exacerbate stress incontinence.
7. Ensure Safety
If your father experiences the urge to empty his bladder frequently in the night, help him reach the bathroom safely at night. Ensure that you keep the path clear of clutter.
Don’t create a rush situation or hurt yourself while reaching the bathroom. Incontinence might be related to various factors such as medications, bladder infection, or constipation.
Simple changes such as exercises or changes in diet can help fight incontinence. Lastly, make sure that your father does not have any infections that may cause foul odor. It is essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
8. Encourage a Positive Mindset
Your father’s entire experience with incontinence can be significantly improved by giving him the tools to think positively.
Urge him to concentrate on his advancements and acknowledge minor successes, such as days without mishaps or gains in his pelvic strength.
He may see incontinence control as a team effort rather than a personal battle with the support of gentle reminders and positive reinforcement.
Support is Key
As a caregiver, keep your father comfortable and secure at all times. During each change, use wipes and moisturizer to clean the perineal area or use diaper rash cream to avoid skin rashes.
