4 Reasons Seniors Become Incontinent

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As approximately 20 percent of seniors experience bladder control challenges, being familiar with some common causes of urinary incontinence is helpful. If your elderly loved one has incontinence, identifying the sources of his or her symptoms can reduce their frequency. To help you find ways to combat your loved one’s incontinence, here are four of its most frequent causes.

1. Diuretic Medication

Diuretic medications, also known as “water pills,” are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. These medications lead to frequent urination and, occasionally, incontinence. Urinary incontinence related to diuretic use is often dose dependent, which means that if the dosage is lowered, episodes of incontinence may decrease.

If your loved one needs help managing incontinence or another health concern, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Constipation

Constipation can also lead to urinary incontinence, causing the colon to press against the bladder. Fortunately, this type of urinary incontinence is usually reversible once the cause of constipation is addressed. Interventions that can ease constipation and subsequent urinary incontinence include taking stool softeners, consuming more dietary fiber, engaging in regular exercise, and increasing fluid intake. 

3. Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, can lead to urinary incontinence or urgency. While primarily a concern for women, men can also experience UTIs, which are characterized by a burning sensation, blood in the urine, fever, and pelvic pain. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to eliminate the bacterial infection. Once the infection is cleared, incontinence and other symptoms generally subside. 

If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Potomac, home care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

4. Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate can be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This condition is common among senior men and can cause urinary incontinence. BPH can also lead to a weak stream, urinary hesitancy, and rectal pain. Certain hormonal medications and surgery can address BPH and relieve or eliminate urinary incontinence in most cases. 

Older adults living with incontinence or other age-related issues can benefit from professional in-home care. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your reliable partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (301) 363-2580 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.