Blog Layout
Dealing With Incontinence
Admin • Jul 20, 2020

With the progression of dementia, your loved one may be experiencing incontinence. The changes in a person’s brain that occur with dementia can interfere with their ability to:

  • Recognize the need to go to the toilet.
  • Be able to wait until it is appropriate to go to the toilet.
  • Find the toilet.
  • Recognize the toilet.
  • Use the toilet properly.

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. If your doctor finds no other explanations for incontinence, the cause is most likely dementia.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 on why they are there. Here are 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.
Senior Using Oxygen — Lady Lake, FL — Tri-County Caregiver Resource Center

Attention Caregivers Without an Emergency Action Plan!

By Admin • 19 Nov, 2020
75% of caregivers do not outlive the person that they're caring for. Do you have an emergency action plan in place?

Dementia Diagnosis

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Five steps to take after a loved one has gotten a dementia diagnosis

Understanding Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Dementia is a word used to describe a cluster symptoms caused by various diseases or conditions. Dementia itself is not a specific disease but a collection of symptoms, which can include:

Managing Difficult Behavior

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Some of the greatest challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia are the personality and behavior changes that often occur as the disease progresses. These can show up as aggression, frustration, undressing in public, or a range of inappropriate conduct.

Tips for Successful Bathing

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Bathing can be one of the activities of daily living that is most affected by dementia. There are many steps in the process of bathing which can seem very difficult for the person with dementia. Additionally, it is likely the person doesn’t remember the reason for bathing and it seems like an unnecessary intrusion into their day. 

Making Meal Time Enjoyable

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Mealtime for people with dementia can be stressful, overwhelming or frustrating. They may no longer recognize the food in front of them or can’t see it clearly because of poor depth perception. They may struggle to use a knife and fork as coordination becomes difficult. Food may not taste the same or as flavorful as it once did. Food may be difficult to chew or swallow or they may not want to accept assistance with eating. Appetites may also vary among individuals with dementia. Some will want to eat all the time, while others have trouble eating a healthy amount.

Help A Loved On Get Dressed

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Getting dressed and feeling good about how we look is an important part of everyone’s self-esteem, but it is also something we typically do in private. Assisting someone who has dementia with dressing can be a challenge because it is something they are used to doing independently. Here are some general tips that may help you assist your loved one with dressing.

Tips On Maintaining Intimacy With a Spouse Who Has Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
It’s natural for couples to experience changes in their level of intimacy and sexuality over time, but when one partner develops dementia, the changes in physical and emotional intimacy can be complex and devastating.

Honoring Dad on Father's Day

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Holidays can pose a special challenge for caregivers of people with dementia. Loved ones may not remember the reason for the day or why you’re making such a fuss. This may be particularly hard on Father’s Day, when your dad may not even recognize you as their child. While this can be an emotional blow, making the effort still matters. 

Keeping Mothers Day Special In The Face of Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
With the rise in Alzheimer’s disease and its special impact on women, more families are celebrating Mother’s Day with moms who have dementia. Nearly two-thirds of the Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. It’s not their gender that makes them more susceptible, it’s their greater life expectancy. Because women live longer and dementia tends to be a condition of the aged, they simply have more opportunity to get the disease. 
Share by: