I’m not sure how to even present our situation so I’ll do my best. Our mom has dementia and up until about a month ago she started to have urine accidents. Sometimes we would fine her bed wet or her bed quilt wet and up until recently one of LVN’s at facility found a wet spots near her laundry basket. Mom is still able to walk with her walker and TRY’s to get to the bathroom on her own. But here recently it’s getting harder and harder for her. When she does make it to the restroom she has a very difficult time lifting her pamper and pants up and leaves them half way down her legs causing us to worry about a terrible fall to happen. We are trying to find a solution to try and get her to go on the pamper and a solution to keep her from leaving her pamper and pants half way down her legs. She’s become so weak physically but the dementia just won’t let her mind rest. We appreciate any advice or suggestions you can share. Looking to help
Some incontinence products are very stylish and look like underwear. Maybe those will help.
The way I deal with it is, 'it's kind of like housebreaking a puppy' - sometimes it's all how you can deal. No, it's not pleasant, especially when diarrhea in included in the mix - but at least he's still alive and with me. That's why God invented Clorox Wipes!
What I have learned thru the last several years is a way of body positioning to prevent that leakage that comes out after I feel finished voiding sitting on the commode. The leak it prevents is that 1-2 tablespoons that comes after you feel empty. After you stand, you then get resoaked a small amount as you pull up your panties.
So there you are, standing with your folded arms moved from your waist to your knees and lifting your bottom high into the air your position change may output some more urine. It feels to me that I have 2 bladders. So great to avoid soiling 2 pair of panties for 1 void!
how:
Sit on the commode and void all you can. The position for this first voiding is sitting with you arms crossed hugging your waist and slightly leaning forward.
After you wipe, you cross your arms over your knees now. Then you stand and lift high your bottom so that the residual amount of urine can be emptied right there after standing you push/strain to get more urine out.
CAUTION Straining to void or pass stool using these tips should never be be attempted alone. Caregivers must be aware that one could easily fall head first when leaning over and straining. It could lead to disaster. If you have hand bars to hold on to is ideal.
The 'pushing/straining/grunting to void or stool is called the val salva maneuver. It is a dangerous movement and can cause the patient to faint and fall!!! Someone or even a second one is needed to protect by CONSTANT HANDS ON, no exceptions. If a doctor is involved it would help to get his order regarding this positioning. Nursing assistants and new home caregivers should all know that this is dangerous and something not to do without guidance and training. Please do not go try it on your own.
best regards
a fellow leaker
Once my LO started with urine issues, the other came quickly and she was not able to handle her own toileting at that point. That's about the time she also needed Memory Care. They handled it all and do that by having a toileting schedule for bathroom and/or changing of her Depends. If the person with dementia can't get their depends and clothes up and down, they must be accompanied to the bathroom each time for complete care.
Withholding fluids at night is not a good idea as it can cause dehydration and create other problems.
If she wants to drink, she needs to drink. By the time someone feels thirsty, they are already slightly dehydrated.
Dehydration can cause dizziness and lead to falls. It can also cause irregular heartbeats, as well as adversely effect liver and kidney health.