5 Ways to Deal With the Emotional Side of Incontinence
If you are a caregiver of an elderly loved one who is suffering from incontinence, you may find that the emotional side of incontinence is far more difficult than even the physical. Both caregivers and the senior in their life may find it difficult to face up to the managing of an incontinence problem. However, it is important that both caregivers and seniors do this. Here is what you need to know about dealing with the emotional side of incontinence.
Caregiver should be an advocate, not an adversary. Many times when intimate and private matters must come to light, caregivers often find themselves thrust into the role of adversary. Rather than take a confrontational role, caregivers should reassure the senior that they are there to help, find solutions, and provide support. This can go a long way toward easing the emotions that can erupt when dealing with this issue.
Caregivers should be straightforward and honest-If you are the caregiver for a senior with incontinence; you need to approach the issue as a medical problem, (which it is). Avoid being vague, using euphemisms, or other tactics, that keep you from discussing the real issue. Once the senior in your care understands that you are approaching this as a medical problem, they will feel a lot more comfortable addressing it with you.
Caregivers should use positivity and humor-While incontinence can be difficult and embarrassing, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be treated, managed, or even eliminated. The senior in your care doesn’t want to be a burden and may even feel ashamed that incontinence has become an issue. Making your elderly loved one to know that there is help available, can go a long way toward making the situation a lot easier to manage. Obviously while your humor should never be derogatory towards the situation, being humorous can make everyone feel more at ease.
Caregivers should understand that not speaking up will have consequences-The bottom line is that incontinence rarely goes away on its own. Leaving the situation alone may be far worse than facing it and speaking with the senior in your life. Beyond the ramifications of the mess and inconvenience, untreated incontinence could affect your loved one\’s health. In addition, due to the fact that many times incontinence is brought on by another medical condition, it is always better to discuss it and have an evaluation by a health care professional.
Caregivers should realize that here is support-Not so long ago, it was practically taboo to speak of a problem like incontinence. Today, there are many support groups for caregivers dealing with this problem, and the seniors who are affected. If attending a support group in person is not possible there are several online options that can provide support, as well.
Don’t smoke-If you are a senior with incontinence and you smoke, you should stop. There are several reasons for this which includes: smoking can lead to chronic and severe coughing, which can aggravate stress incontinence. In addition the smoke and other chemicals found in tobacco can actually aggravate the bladder and make the incontinence worse. The bottom line is that if you smoke, quit today, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.Want to know about Incontinence products? Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors are more at risk of developing incontinence from a variety of different factors. Visit for more Adult incontinence products
It is important to understand that incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more details.
Author Bio: Want to know about Incontinence products? Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors are more at risk of developing incontinence from a variety of different factors. Visit for more Adult incontinence products
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