I love caring for my mother. However, I am having trouble managing her incontinence. She is having difficulty making it to the bathroom and using the commode. She is very embarrassed and doesn’t like asking for help. Do you have any suggestions or resources that will help us?
-Caregiving in Kansas
Dear
Caregiving in Kansas:
It sounds like
you and your mother could benefit from assistive technology. Occupational
therapist use assistive technology to help individuals become more functional
and independent. Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment or
product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or
customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Commodes,
toilet seat modifiers and urinals
come in a variety of designs to help someone with incontinence or someone who
has difficulty getting to the bathroom. Items include raised and adjustable
seats, safety rails, grab bars, and portable commodes. Depending on your
mother’s needs, one of these assistive technologies could be great fit to
increase her independence and help you out as well. It is important to have
these properly installed or fitted to the individual using them. Please consult
with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Adult
protective undergarments can help individuals who have problems with bladder or
bowel control. Fortunately, these are now widely available at drug stores under
brand names like Depends, Attends and Dignity.
Mattress and floor protectors, such as a plastic
fitted sheet or mattress pad to repel or absorb urine before it damages the
mattress, and floor runners that protect flooring are also helpful tools for a
caregiver to consider.
Antiseptic
skin lotions and wipes,
catheters, portable receptacles and a host of related products for incontinence
can make your mother feel more comfortable and minimize difficulties for the
caregiver.
To order the
National Association for Continence resource guide of products and services for
incontinence call (800) 252-6667 or go to: www.nafc.org.
Thanks for
writing in,
Ask an OT
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1412
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Disclaimer: The information contained on this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, substitute for medical advice, nor is it a referral for occupational therapy services. You should consult a physician regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.
References and
Resources:
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