Bladder incontinence affects a large number of elderly people. Caregivers are often left with the frustrating task, of trying to help their elderly loved one, deal with the problems that this brings. It can be frustrating and overwhelming; however, there are a number of resources that can help make dealing with the bladder incontinence, more manageable.
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| Understanding about incontinence is the first step. |
The first step is to understand that there are different types of bladder incontinence-
- Stress incontinence-Sufferers of this type of incontinence find that they involuntarily leak urine while exercising, coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting. This is because these activities apply sudden pressure to the bladder, causing urine to leak out. This is the most common type of incontinence in women, but is found in men as well. This type of bladder incontinence generally develops from a weakening of some or all of the pelvic muscles. Men may also found this a problem from prostrate problems, or after surgery. Decreasing hormones in both genders is also thought to contribute to this type. In addition stress incontinence can results from damage to the nerves controlling the bladder, that is resulting from diseases such as: diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease and/or multiple sclerosis, or from treatment of gynecologic or pelvic cancers with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
- Urge incontinence-This has been described as the experience of a frequent, sudden urge to urinate with little control of the bladder (especially when sleeping, drinking, or listening to running water). This is generally marked by a need to urinate more than seven times daily, or more than twice nightly. It also may be a symptom of a urinary infection in the bladder or kidneys, or may result from injury, illness or surgery. There are also diseases and other conditions that can bring this on as well. This includes but is not limited to: stroke, diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. tumors or cancer in the uterus, bladder or prostate, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis (inflamed prostate), and surgery involving the lower intestine or rectum.
- Overflow incontinence-This is when the b ladder doesn't empty completely, leading to frequent urination or dribbling. This type of incontinence is generally caused by weakened bladder muscles as a result of nerve damage, from diabetes or other diseases. It can also result from the urethra being blocked due to kidney or urinary stones, tumors, an enlarged prostate in men, or a birth defect.
- Functional incontinence-This happens when patients are unable to control their bladder, due to an underlying medical issue. They often have difficulty getting to the bathroom, due to certain limitations. These limitations can be in moving, thinking or communicating. This is most often found among elderly patients with arthritis, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
- Mixed incontinence-This is when a patient is suffering from more then one kind of bladder incontinence, at the same time.
Because of the possibility and ramifications, of an underlying medical condition, any elderly person should be thoroughly evaluated by their health care professional. When the type of incontinence is determined, the caregiver, senior and doctor can work together to plan the best course of treatment. Both caregivers and seniors should understand that many types of bladder incontinence are successfully treated. Ignoring the problem of bladder incontinence is not helpful or proactive, and serious complications can arise, if bladder incontinence is not addressed.
Caregivers can find a variety of products that can help them to manage this problem, and provide a high degree of comfort and care, for their elderly loved ones, at Caregiverpartnership.com. While there is a great deal of information about bladder incontinence, it can be difficult to gather it all in. At Caregiverpartnership.com they understand the time constraints on caregivers, and have created a site that allows you, to find the information and products, you need quickly and easily. Simply click on http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/incontinence-product-finder/ to get started.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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