How dementia sufferers with toilet problems and incontinence can be helped

The most seasoned and capable home care worker in Gloucester, like those of Bramble Home Care, will be aware of the accidents, incontinence and difficulties in using the toilet that can arise for people with dementia, particularly with the onward progression of the disease. Incontinence can cause considerable distress in a dementia sufferer, but the good news is that it is not inevitable, and support is available. 

Incontinence can take several forms, but is defined as the involuntary leakage of either or both urine or faeces. Urinary incontinence can range from small occasional leaks to the total loss of bladder control, while sufferers of faecal incontinence may have zero bowel control, or simply pass a small amount of stool when breaking wind. Reasons for incontinence in dementia sufferers range from urinary tract infections and prostate gland trouble to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Toilet accidents and problems also have a wide range of possible causes, including an inability to react quickly enough to the sensation of needing to use the toilet, an inability to communicate the need to go to the toilet, not allowing others to help with the toileting and not making any attempt to find the toilet - among other causes.

Thankfully, there are many ways in which a home care worker in Gloucester or other carer can help a dementia sufferer to cope with or avoid such problems. They can help to ensure the continued good health of the Service User's bladder and bowels, for example, by encouraging them to drink six to eight glasses of fluids daily and eat a balanced diet with a minimum of five daily portions of fruit and vegetables and a good amount of fibre.

A home care worker in Gloucester can also have a role in reducing accidents by helping the person with dementia to identify where the toilet is and assisting them in the easy undoing, removal and replacement of their clothing. Carers should also be sensitive in their response to any accidents that do occur for the person with dementia, approaching the problem in an understanding manner while avoiding being angry or appearing upset. 

Get in touch with Bramble Home Care for more information about the assistance that can be provided on a day-to-day basis by a thoughtful, sensitive and well-trained home care worker in Gloucester.

Take a look at this guide from the Alzheimer’s Society for further information on this subject.

Editor’s Note: Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.