Parkinson's and Incontinence, A Caregiver's Guide

Parkinson's and Incontinence

Incontinence is a common condition found in those with Parkinson’s disease. In fact, if you have Parkinson’s disease, there is a high likelihood that you will deal with bladder control at some point. Often the severity is determined by the severity of the Parkinson’s disease. The following is a look at some of the things caregivers should know in order to best manage incontinence associated with Parkinson’s with dignity and greater ease.

First it is important for both caregivers and sufferers to understand what incontinence means in relation to Parkinson’s disease. Urge incontinence, which is incontinence where the individual feels the need to urinate frequently, and leaks happen without warning, is the most common type of incontinence suffered by those with Parkinson’s. An overactive bladder contracts without you wanting it to, and can cause many inconveniences.

Incontinence can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Odor control, skin irritation, leaks, and discretion are all aspects to consider when dealing with incontinence and Parkinson’s.

Urge incontinence can interrupt sleep. This can be very frustrating for both the sufferer and the caregiver as those with Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty getting enough sleep as it is, without waking to use the bathroom every few hours.

What can be done to ease the burden?

1. Reduce fluid intake in the evenings. It is vital to not reduce fluid intake to the point of dehydration, rather to be selective about when fluids are taken. A few hours before bed, cut off all fluids. It is very important to understand that reducing fluid to the point of dehydration can actually cause urinary incontinence to be worse, and result in a great deal of odor, as the urine is more concentrated.

2. Empty the bladder immediately before going to bed. This will help the individual to get the sleep they need with fewer interruptions for urination. It will also reduce the number of absorbent products that are used, reducing cost and work for the caregiver.

3. Consider a bedside commode or use nighttime absorbent products. This will allow the incontinent individual to stay in bed and get as much rest as possible. When selecting absorbent products, consider absorbency needs, fit, and comfort. The best way to get the right products without spending far too much money is to try samples. Call  800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST to order from over 100 sample options. 

Try our Sample Service to avoid wasting money on trial and error.

4. Consider skin care. An individual with Parkinson’s and incontinence has enough to deal with, adding rashes, irritation, and peeling, dry, or damaged skin is just too much. Take care to keep skin healthy with proper cleansing, moisturizing, and protection. Change absorbent products regularly, and use specially formulated cleansing products and moisturizers to keep skin healthy.

Learn more about incontinence management and skin care.  

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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. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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