As your providers of home care in Fort Myers, Florida, one of the most common problems patients at Ageless Private Duty Home Care, LLC have identified is incontinence. Urinary and bowel incontinence are characterized by a lack of control over the bladder and bowel. It affects any age level, but it is more common in seniors due to some age-related medical conditions.
For one, Alzheimer’s Disease, an illness that is progressive in nature, causes cognitive decline. If this happens, our body will have a hard time recognizing our natural urges, especially urination, and defecation. Moreover, medications consumed to combat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease play a role as well.
Another medical condition that triggers incontinence is Parkinson’s Disease. As Parkinson’s worsens, the communication between the brain and the nerves becomes messy. As a result, your brain gets tricked, thinking that the bladder is full when in reality, it isn’t. Due to this confusion, your organs would want to excrete urinary waste even if there’s a need to. Bowel problems, on the other hand, are triggered by the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, such as abdominal pain, cramps, and constipation.
Furthermore, obesity, infections caused by damaged nerves, and a disrupted immune system that is common among diabetic individuals mess up the bladder, leading to incontinence.
Finally, Rheumatoid Arthritis, despite having no direct effect on the occurrence of incontinence in seniors, is associated with mobility limitations that also disrupt the bladder.
It’s important to know that incontinence is not inevitable in old age. With the proper treatment and quality caregiving experience, it won’t last long. The best way to avoid incontinence is to manage the symptoms of age-related medications that lead to its occurrence.
If you have more questions about incontinence care and other home care options we offer, we’re free to answer them. Contact us to set an appointment and visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.