An Outfit for Grandma

Incontinence issues often accompany the aging process, and it is also common in younger adults and children who struggle with issues such as nerve damage or paralysis. As a caregiver, helping your loved one prevent accidents and clean up quickly when one occurs is one of your biggest responsibilities for keeping them comfortable. As you work on your caregiving plan, consider these tips for handling incontinence in a way that protects your loved one's dignity.

Ease Embarrassment With Careful Planning

Planning and routines are two important tools that caregivers can use to help their loved one manage incontinence. Begin by helping your loved one develop a schedule for using the restroom that minimizes accidents. Over time, you will learn how long to wait after they eat to help them to the restroom. For outings, consider scouting out new locations ahead of time to identify restroom locations that you can access quickly, and it may be necessary to plan shorter outings until both you and your loved one are comfortable handling things such as clothing changes when you are out in public.

Explore Different Types of Care Clothing

Adaptive clothing is a tremendous asset for those who struggle with incontinence. Explore the types of clothing that are available that can help you quickly change your loved one and even make it possible for some people to dress themselves. For instance, side opening underwear for sale allows those with incontinence to change without having to pull soiled clothing over the rest of their body. The clasps also open quickly, which means that your loved one may be able to use the toilet if they do not have to struggle with difficult maneuvers to remove their underwear.

Carry a Caregiver Bag On Your Outings

Even with the best planning in place, it is still possible for accidents to happen. Since sitting in soiled clothing is embarrassing for your loved one and leads to skin irritation, make sure to keep a spare change of clothes in your caregiver bag. Having an extra pair of side entry women's underwear or trousers on hand means that you can discreetly help your loved one change anywhere without causing a scene.

Although incontinence often has a diagnosable physical reason for occurring, it is still sometimes met with embarrassment by those who suffer from this condition. While you may not be able to cure your loved one's incontinence, you can help them manage it by taking a compassionate and thoughtful approach.