Anyone who cares for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease knows that incontinence can be a frustrating part of the caretaking process. This can be more of a problem in the summer months, as you take your loved one outside more often and engage in more outdoor activities.
To make urinary incontinence less of a problem, there are some things that you can do ahead of time:
- Check out the location: No matter if you are just going out for the day or going on a vacation with your loved one, you should try to find places ahead of time where you can take a bathroom break. It is a good idea to set up a bathroom break ever 2-4 hours to prevent any problems. If you do not know the area in which you will be traveling, you can use the SitOrSquat app on your smartphone that can find restrooms along your path. You can filter the facilities by how clean they are and by handicapped accessibility.
- Avoid smokers: Smoking or being around cigarette smoke can contribute to a leaky bladder; being around a smoker can cause more coughing and sneezing, which can cause incontinence.
- Avoid certain beverages: Staying hydrated is actually a good way of avoiding incontinence. Drinking enough water is very important when you are outside doing things in warmer weather. But for those who have bladder problems, alcohol, tea and coffee should not be consumed as they cause bladder irritation. Water is the best drink.
- Have a healthy diet: People who have weight problems will have more bladder problems, generally speaking. So make sure you and your loved one eat right and exercise as much as practical.
- Be prepared: No matter where you go with your loved one outside of the home, be ready for an accident. Carry. pads, wet wipes and/or diapers and extra clothes to deal with any bladder issues.
Toileting Aids for Alzheimer’s Patients
To control odors and to clean up after an accident, try our SUNzyme Natural Odor Eliminator:
If finding a bathroom on the road is a challenge, try the UriBag Male Urinal that can easily fit into a pocket:
