Age may cause us to slow down and to take things easy, meaning that regular exercising of muscles doesn’t happen as a matter of course. Muscle deterioration can make easy-to-do tasks become more of a challenge. Elderly people may also develop bladder problems which, teamed with a change in dexterity and mobility, may make visiting the toilet a slower task.
Introduction to elderly incontinence
Urinary incontinence means a person leaks urine by accident. While it may happen to anyone, urinary incontinence is more common in older people, especially women. Incontinence can often be cured or controlled. When the muscles in and around the bladder don’t work the way they should, urine can leak. Incontinence typically occurs if the muscles relax without warning.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
- Weak bladder muscles
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson Disease
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate in men
- Diseases such as arthritis that may make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time
- Pelvic organ prolapse, which is when pelvic organs (such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus) shift out of their normal place into the vagina. When pelvic organs are out of place, the bladder and urethra are not able to work normally, which may cause urine to leak.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are different types of incontinence:
✔️ Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks as pressure is put on the bladder, for example, during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. It’s the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-age women.
✔️ Urge incontinence happens when people have a sudden need to urinate and cannot hold their urine long enough to get to the toilet. It may be a problem for people who have diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
✔️ Overflow incontinence happens when small amounts of urine leak from a bladder that is always full. A man can have trouble emptying his bladder if an enlarged prostate is blocking the urethra. Diabetes and spinal cord injuries can also cause this type of incontinence.
✔️ Functional/Mix incontinence occurs in many older people who have normal bladder control. They just have a problem getting to the toilet because of arthritis or other disorders that make it hard to move quickly.
Ausnew Special Equipment Available to Manage Incontinence
✔️ Incontinence pad/ Diaper are constructed using the same technology as that for babies’ nappies, the hydrophobic layer drawing urine away from the surface of the pad, allowing the user’s skin to stay dry.
Adult Unisex Diaper - The Ausnew anti-bacterial adult nappy is designed to be worn by men or women and features super-absorbent fiber for even absorption.
Chair Pad - Introducing the Ausnew chair pads are a more eco-friendly option than disposable pads, offering a hygienic and comfortable solution to protect sofas, chairs, and beds.
✔️ Seat and Chair Pads are discreet and don’t look out of place in the home environment, posing simply as extra padding / cushioning for the user.
Bed Pad Introducing The Ausnew Waterproof Bed Pad with Tuck-ins! A more eco-friendly option than disposable bed pads, attached ‘tuck-ins’ fold around the mattress for a secure fit a soft, breathable top layer with a non-slip, waterproof backing. Special stay-dry fabric for longer-lasting dryness and comfort and machine-washable for total convenience
✔️ Bed Pads add a comfortable layer of highly absorbent thickness which holds accidents within the washable bed pad itself, preventing all of the dampness from reaching the user, the mattress or overall mattress protector.
Bed / Chair Pads Disposable - The Ausnew Disposable Bed / Chair Pads are disposable incontinence pads for men and women. Designed to offer a hygienic and comfortable solution to protect beds and chairs.
✔️ Bed / Chair Pads Disposable - Waterproof (disposable) bed and chair pads will protect upholstery from incontinence damage, minimise odour and will keep that favourite chair going for much longer.
Embarrassment can cause people to withdraw socially, and this can lead to depression. Anyone who is concerned about urinary incontinence should see a doctor, as help may be available.
Want to talk for more? You can contact us through 📧 Support@ausnewhomecare.com or you may call ☎️ (02) 9159 6183.