Post by norbert1 on Jun 25, 2006 10:41:42 GMT -5
Urinary incontinence --
Some incontinence can be caused by the inability to act appropriately or fast enough. Recommendations include signs on the bathroom door, things to make the toilet more visible (colored toilet seat, cleaners that color the water, a colored toilet rug that sets it off visually) and easy to remove clothing.
A checkup by the doctor to see that there is not a medical cause of incontinence is a good idea, but anticholinergic incontinence meds should not be used by an alzheimers patient.
Routine toileting - every two or three hours may be successful in holding off incontinence for the person with dementia that can hold their urine, but has trouble responding to the urge appropriately.
Some caregivers will run water in the sink to trigger the urination. A person who retains urine may be helped with massaging pressure to the bladder.
other suggestions-
-No drinking after 9PM
-Use of an extra adsorbent brief at night
-The use of "underpads" on the bed. These are available in reusable and disposable versions. The local Alzheimers association nurse recommends using a washable underpad with a disposable underneath for backup. These also can be used to protect furniture.
-Purchase a waterproof mattress cover.
-Some caregivers will try to set an alarm for one nighttime trip to the bathroom at aprox. 2 AM, but this is not so easy however.
- when there are accidents on furniture, enzyme cleansers are needed for effective cleaning.
-You may want to check into a mail order incontinence supply company for products and information. You may be able to get a recommendation from your local Alzheimers association.
Bowel issues --
Routine toileting also may help with bowel Incontinence. The most successful time is about one half hour after breakfast. Sitting on the toilet causes a change in angle of the rectum, and causes pressures that trigger the semi-automatic reflex that causes contractions to expel the contents. Even raising the feet slightly with a very small stool device further helps with the change of angle.
Constipation is defined as less than 3 movements per week. If the person has not gone - longer than usual, or for 3-5 days, you are dealing with constipation.
Worse than constipation is fecal impaction. Signs include abdominal pain or distention, nausea, or a low grade fever. If the person has thin watery discharge or thin pencil like discharge - you may be dealing with bowel impaction and overflow fecal incontinence (material that is forced around the obstruction). A doctors immediate attention is needed for this condition.
Routine use of stimulant laxatives is not recommended, it weakens the muscles of the bowels and intestine. Talk to the doctor about the proper types and uses of laxatives if this is becomes an issue.
When incontinence become routine, the use of barrier creams or petroleum jelly is recommended to prevent skin breakdown.
Norbert
Some incontinence can be caused by the inability to act appropriately or fast enough. Recommendations include signs on the bathroom door, things to make the toilet more visible (colored toilet seat, cleaners that color the water, a colored toilet rug that sets it off visually) and easy to remove clothing.
A checkup by the doctor to see that there is not a medical cause of incontinence is a good idea, but anticholinergic incontinence meds should not be used by an alzheimers patient.
Routine toileting - every two or three hours may be successful in holding off incontinence for the person with dementia that can hold their urine, but has trouble responding to the urge appropriately.
Some caregivers will run water in the sink to trigger the urination. A person who retains urine may be helped with massaging pressure to the bladder.
other suggestions-
-No drinking after 9PM
-Use of an extra adsorbent brief at night
-The use of "underpads" on the bed. These are available in reusable and disposable versions. The local Alzheimers association nurse recommends using a washable underpad with a disposable underneath for backup. These also can be used to protect furniture.
-Purchase a waterproof mattress cover.
-Some caregivers will try to set an alarm for one nighttime trip to the bathroom at aprox. 2 AM, but this is not so easy however.
- when there are accidents on furniture, enzyme cleansers are needed for effective cleaning.
-You may want to check into a mail order incontinence supply company for products and information. You may be able to get a recommendation from your local Alzheimers association.
Bowel issues --
Routine toileting also may help with bowel Incontinence. The most successful time is about one half hour after breakfast. Sitting on the toilet causes a change in angle of the rectum, and causes pressures that trigger the semi-automatic reflex that causes contractions to expel the contents. Even raising the feet slightly with a very small stool device further helps with the change of angle.
Constipation is defined as less than 3 movements per week. If the person has not gone - longer than usual, or for 3-5 days, you are dealing with constipation.
Worse than constipation is fecal impaction. Signs include abdominal pain or distention, nausea, or a low grade fever. If the person has thin watery discharge or thin pencil like discharge - you may be dealing with bowel impaction and overflow fecal incontinence (material that is forced around the obstruction). A doctors immediate attention is needed for this condition.
Routine use of stimulant laxatives is not recommended, it weakens the muscles of the bowels and intestine. Talk to the doctor about the proper types and uses of laxatives if this is becomes an issue.
When incontinence become routine, the use of barrier creams or petroleum jelly is recommended to prevent skin breakdown.
Norbert