Incontinence and what caregivers in Cambodia can do to support

Causes of incontinence in older people

Incontinence in older people is a common problem that can have various causes. Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Muscle weakness:

• As we age, muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles, lose strength. This can result in the muscles no longer being able to effectively control the flow of urine.

2 Neurological disorders:

• Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis or dementia can affect the nerves that control bladder function, leading to incontinence.

3 Chronic diseases:

• Diabetes and other chronic diseases can affect bladder function and lead to incontinence.

4 Urinary tract infections (UTIs):

• UTIs can irritate the bladder and lead to temporary incontinence.

5 Medication:

• Some medications, such as diuretics, can cause incontinence as a side effect.

6 Prostate problems:

• In older men, prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, can lead to incontinence.

7 Hormonal changes:

• Especially in post-menopausal women, hormonal changes can affect bladder function.

8 Movement and mobility problems:

• Difficulty walking or moving around can make it difficult for older people to get to the toilet in time.

Support options for carers

Carers play a crucial role in supporting older people with incontinence. Here are some approaches to help them:

1. Promoting the pelvic floor muscles:

• Regular exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control.

2 Bladder training:

• Scheduled bladder training can help to improve bladder control. This includes fixed toilet times and gradually increasing the intervals between visits to the toilet.

3 Adjusting diet and fluid intake:

• Reducing caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can help to improve bladder control. Care should also be taken to ensure that sufficient, but not excessive, fluid intake is maintained.

4 Medication review:

• A medication review by a doctor can help minimise side effects that cause or worsen incontinence.

5 Use of aids:

• Incontinence products such as special pads, underwear or catheters can make everyday life easier and reduce the risk of skin irritation or infection.

6 Training and education:

• Carers and those affected should be informed and educated about incontinence and its management in order to provide the best possible care.

7 Environmental design:

• A barrier-free environment, including accessible toilets and the use of aids such as grab rails, can help prevent accidents.

8 Personal hygiene support:

• Regular and thorough cleaning of the skin can minimise the risk of infections and skin problems.

9 Psychological support:

• Incontinence can be emotionally distressing. Support through counselling and possibly psychological support can help to strengthen the self-esteem of those affected.