Beyond the Basics: Managing Day-to-Day Incontinence

Consider the following in managing incontinence.

Whether you are the sufferer or the caregiver of someone suffering from incontinence, day-to-day management is essential to preserving your emotional and physical well-being. There are many aspects to consider.

1. Diet. 

Diet can play a role in the severity of incontinence. There are many foods that should be avoided by incontinent individuals because they are bladder triggers and can actually make the symptoms worse. For example, caffeine is a known diuretic, which can increase the intensity and urge to go. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and pineapple can be bladder irritants. Drinking too little can cause the urine to become too concentrated, irritating the bladder and increasing urgency. Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding bladder triggers can improve incontinence symptoms.

2. Overall health. While incontinence is often caused by physical maladies, and is a health condition, the severity is often related to over-all health. For example, those that are overweight may find their symptoms increase because of the added pressure to the bladder. Taking good care of your body, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and improving all areas of health can also improve symptoms. 

3. Skin care. 

Prolonged exposure to urine and feces can cause skin breakdown and irritation. One important aspect of day-to-day management of incontinence is adopting a good skin care regimen that addresses cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin to maintain skin integrity and health. Check out a line of great skin care products for incontinent individuals.


4. Absorbent products. 

 Choosing the right absorbent products can help with daily management. Not only will this reduce leaks, and help to protect skin, but it can also add “normalcy” and dignity to the incontinent individual’s life. Choosing the right type, size, and absorbency are key. It is often best to try before you buy so that you can make sure the product you choose fits your needs before investing in a whole case. Consider ordering samples. 

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

5. Treatment options and therapies. 

Incontinence is not inevitable, and in many cases it is not permanent. Talk to your healthcare professional about treatment options and therapies. Daily pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, such as Kegels is a good place to start. Medications may help, or Botox. There are also options such as surgery that can help you manage, reduce, or even eliminate incontinence.

Incontinence can have physical and emotional tolls on the individuals and their loved ones. Taking steps to better manage incontinence day-to-day can help reduce the physical and emotional impact.

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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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