Having an elderly living with you at home can mean more responsibility and more work for you. However, there are practical tips that can help in taking care of the elderly.

Choose his or her clothes. It may be difficult to get you mom, your dad or your grandparents to wear clothes that they were not used to, but, it will be easier for you and for them if the clothes that they are wearing are easy to remove and be taken off when necessary.

As much as possible, do not make them wear belts, pantyhose, or buttoned pants. As substitutes for these, you can have clothes that are made with Velcro or elastic bands.

For those who have mild to moderate incontinence, there is no need to make them wear diapers or incontinence devices. But, if you are out of the house, do make sure that the bathroom is accessible and won’t take you more than a few minutes to get there.

When traveling… If you anticipate traveling in public transportation for several hours, it might be necessary to make use of incontinence products. When in restaurants, planes, or trains, where access to the comfort room is possible, make it even easier for them by sitting near the comfort room.

Those who are suffering from serious cases of incontinence may need to wear pads or have collection systems. Portable devices will also be helpful.

Generally, situations of involuntary urination can be abated when the elderly individual empties his or her bladder frequently and at regular intervals.

At home. There are also simple tips that can be practiced when at home. Begin by clearing the path leading to the toilet. This makes it faster for your elderly folks to get there. This will also help a lot at night when the room is dark. But, to make it safer and easier for them, leave a night light on. The bathroom door can be bright enough to serve as a night light. Also, it will be easy for them to find it when they feel the urge to urinate.

It might a good idea if you can have a bathroom that only they can use. This will help avoid instances when the bathroom is occupied and they are forced to wait.

Reinforce their safety by installing rails or grab bars inside the toilet. Having raised toilets will also make it easier for them.

Prepare for emergencies. Whether inside the house or en route to another place, it will help if you, as the caregiver, are prepared with portable urinals, bedpans and extra pads. These are for situations when the toilet is too far away or if the elderly is no longer able to hold back.

Promote their dignity. As having incontinence is a sensitive issue, you need to reassure them that they should not be embarrassed. Also, show that you are ready to assist them whenever they need your help. When they get irritated, try to understand and appease them as much as possible.

Author Bio: Homer M. Cho enjoys writing for Adultdiaperhub.com which sells incontinence supplies and incontinence pads as well as a host of additional products.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: having incontinence,incontinence products,elderly care