Urinary incontinence, or UI for short, is a condition that causes involuntary urination. It can affect anyone of any age. Some people experience it only when they laugh, sneeze or cough, while others always experience symptoms. It is essential to understand that many treatment options can improve your quality of life and make you feel like yourself again. One option is to move into independent living for seniors near Harris County, TX, with amenities designed for golden-age adults to make it easier for them to live independently and preserve their dignity as much as possible. Here’s how these communities can help:
Continence Aids
Urinary incontinence is a common and often undiscussed problem for golden-age adults. It can be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggle and that there are many ways to manage this issue.
Incontinence treatments fall into three main categories: catheters (to empty the bladder), stents (to hold urine in the bladder until it’s time to go), and pads or diapers (to absorb urine). A physician will recommend which treatment works best for each individual depending on their needs.
Training Your Bladder
If you have urinary incontinence, you likely have difficulty managing your condition independently. As a result, you may need extra help from family members, friends, or other caregivers to ensure that your basic needs are met. They can make sure that:
- Your catheter is cleaned properly and changed when needed
- Your clothes are washed frequently
- You get enough rest to avoid fatigue and additional stress on your body
Another option for those seeking assistance with their care is to move into an independent living community. Independent living communities provide residents with access to caregivers who can help them complete daily tasks such as dressing or bathing and address more severe issues like incontinence. These professionals do not provide medical services but assist residents in remaining independent while still giving them peace of mind knowing they will always be there if they need help during an emergency.
Education
It’s always good to be educated about your options. This can help you feel more confident and empowered, which is important when choosing a new living community. Your doctor may be able to give you some good recommendations or at least provide some information on what kind of care would be right for an elderly loved one who needs assistance with their incontinence issues.
Another great resource is your health insurance company—they can offer valuable insight into how much coverage a particular type of care will be covered by insurance and how much it will cost out-of-pocket.
To get started on finding an independent living community that fits your specific needs, it’s important to ask questions! For example: Does this community offer special dietary accommodations? Is there someone who checks in on residents daily to ensure everyone is doing okay?
Conclusion
The first step to dealing with incontinence is becoming aware of it and then understanding the various treatment options available. If it’s affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor about how they can help. They may recommend medication or behavioral therapy if you’re experiencing stress-induced incontinence.
