Do you know what to do when caring for an adult with incontinence?
The North American market for incontinence care products was estimated at $4,128 million in 2021. You or someone you care for may be dealing with the effects of frequent urination, constipation, or other formulas of incontinence and are looking for options.
Luckily, there are ways to keep yourself and your loved ones comfortable, clean, and dry throughout the day.
Find out what you should and shouldn’t do by reading this complete guide to the dos and don’ts of incontinence care for the elderly.
Keep Yourself Clean And Dry
It is significant to keep yourself or the person clean and dry to help prevent infection and keep their skin healthy. Always wash the area with warm water with this aloe vesta cleansing foam.
Avoid using scented soaps, lotions, or powders, as these can irritate the skin. Pat the area dry with a soft towel afterward.
Apply a barrier cream to help protect the skin. There are different types of barrier creams available, so speak with a healthcare professional to find the best one.
Finally, make sure to change the clothes and bedding often to keep you or them clean and dry.
Use Absorbent Products
There are many types of absorbent incontinence care products available to help manage incontinence. Pads, underwear, and liners are all options that can be used depending on the level of absorption needed.
Underwear should be changed as soon as possible after it becomes wet. Light absorption is typically best for small leaks, while heavy absorption is better for larger leaks. There are also products designed for overnight use.
Once you have the right product, it is crucial to use it correctly. Follow the instructions on the package, and be sure to change the product regularly to avoid skin irritation.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after changing the product, and never reuse a product.
Encourage To Exercise
People with bladder leakage often have weak pelvic floor muscles. It plays an essential role in supporting the bladder and bowel, and exercises that target these muscles can help to improve incontinence symptoms.
Do not perform high-impact activities or exercises, as these can exacerbate incontinence symptoms. Be sure to avoid exercises that put a strain on the pelvic floor muscles, such as sit-ups, leg lifts, and crunches.
Several exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and it is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine which exercises are best for the individual.
Regular exercise and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles can help to improve incontinence symptoms and quality of life.
Follow These Incontinence Care Tips
There are a few key things to remember when caring for yourself or someone with incontinence: keep yourself clean and dry, use absorbent products, and exercise.
By following these simple incontinence care tips, you can ensure that you and the person you are caring for remain comfortable and healthy.
Remember that you’re not alone. With proper treatment and support, you can live a full and active life despite your condition. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment for incontinence options.
Continue reading to discover more helpful tips on this blog.
