Strategies for Managing Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence occurs when a person leaks urine by accident. Bladder control issues can be embarrassing and cause older adults to avoid their normal activities. However, incontinence can often be controlled or stopped. A caregiver providing home care services can help manage urinary incontinence in seniors.

As a leading provider of home health care in Pennsylvania, we will share effective strategies for managing urinary incontinence in older adults:

• Follow a fluid intake schedule.
  Caregivers can help seniors follow a fluid intake schedule to retrain the bladder on when to fill and when to empty. Ideally, they should aim for a total fluid intake of 40-60 ounces per day. It is also best to avoid fluid intake after 6 p.m. to reduce nighttime incontinence.
• Limit bladder irritants.
  Some fluids are more difficult for the bladder to process than others. These are called bladder irritants and common examples include coffee, alcohol, and drinks with high-citrus content. Tobacco can also be irritating to the bladder lining and contribute to urinary incontinence. Additionally, managing constipation can also help maintain a healthy elimination pattern to help the bladder fill and empty more effectively.
• Perform pelvic floor exercises.
  Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor to reduce urinary incontinence. Also known as Kegel exercises, they can help seniors hold their urine in the bladder and avoid leaks.

Abode Care Services, LLC is an established provider of high-quality non-medical home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To promote healthy aging at home, we offer a wide array of in-home services. To develop a care plan catered to your loved one’s needs, feel free to reach out to us at your earliest convenience.