Who knew that understanding the stages of incontinence could make such a difference in our caregiving journey? As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned incontinence is an inevitable - and can be - a challenging part of our journey. It’s a reality and a topic that’s not often discussed. It’s helpful for us to be prepared to navigate incontinence with compassion, dignity, and grace for our care receivers and for us. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, we’ve developed four tips to help you navigate the pre-incontinence and early incontinence phases on your caregiving journey.

Takeaways

Before we introduce your tips, it’s helpful to understand what we mean by ‘pre-incontinence’ and ‘early incontinence’.

Pre-Incontinence

This is the phase before actual incontinence begins, when our care receiver is showing signs incontinence may be on the horizon.

Signs include:

Using the trash can instead of the toilet for toilet paper Not flushing the toilet Resisting drinking to avoid bathroom trips Looking around anxiously (potentially for a bathroom)

Early Incontinence

When actual incontinence begins, it usually starts with urinary incontinence. Your loved one may still be trying to find the bathroom but often doesn’t make it in time.

Signs include:

Not getting to the bathroom fast enough Holding their stomach, bottom, or between their legs

Tip 1. Make it Easy to Find the Bathroom

Yes, to us this sounds simple. To our loved one, they are disconnecting with the signs their bodies are telling them they need to go, and the steps to use the bathroom. One of the most effective ways to support your loved one during pre-incontinence and early incontinence is by making the bathroom as accessible and easy to find as possible.

Tip 2. Schedule Bathroom Breaks

Establishing a consistent bathroom routine can significantly reduce accidents and make the transition into full incontinence more manageable.

Tip 3. Simplify Cleanup

As incontinence progresses, accidents will happen. Being prepared can make cleanup easier and less stressful for both you and your loved one.

Tip 4. Think Positively and Have Lots of Grace

Perhaps the most important tip of all is to maintain a positive attitude and extend grace to both you and your loved one.

Read More in This Blog here

Additional Resources Mentioned

Episode 11 - Cleaning Your Care Receiver here Child proof door knob cover or double deadbolt locks for external doors Child proof door knob covers here Extra tall pet gate from (40” to 70”) - 57” here Disposable incontinence underwear For women here For men here Pads Mattress pads 34”x36” here 72”X36” here Disposable incontinence pads here Brown large pet pee pads here Easy mops Swiffer mop here Bona here Hard surface cleaners Pine Sol here Pooph here Odoban here Fabuloso here Carpet cleaning Resolve Urine Destroyer here Resolve Ultra Pet here Bissell Pet Carpet Cleaner here Resolve Urine Destroyer Carpet Cleaning Machine Formula here

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Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: [email protected], [email protected]