Navigating Bladder Health for Seniors
Our bodies change as we get older, and bladder health is one area that frequently causes concern. Many seniors experience a range of bladder function issues, from frequent urges to leaks. Still, it is possible to preserve a high quality of life and enhance bladder health with the appropriate information and techniques. With senior home care services, seniors gain the knowledge they need about common bladder problems, as well as helpful advice for improving bladder health.
Recognizing Typical Bladder Problems
No two situations are the same, which is why seniors need to learn all they can about common bladder problems. This gives them the confidence they need to talk about any concerns with their medical team.
A few of the most common bladder problems are listed below:
Senior Home Care Southfield MI – Navigating Bladder Health for Seniors
Urinary Incontinence: Among seniors, urinary incontinence is one of the most common bladder problems. However, there are different types of urinary incontinence. For instance, urge incontinence, is defined as a sudden, strong urge to urinate, while stress incontinence can be defined as the inadvertent leakage of urine during activities such as coughing or sneezing.
Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder also feels like a sudden and frequent urge to urinate and can seriously interfere with everyday activities and lower seniors’ quality of life in general.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Due to things like compromised immune systems, altered hormone levels, and impaired bladder emptying, seniors are more prone to UTIs. In addition to other symptoms that compromise bladder health, UTIs can cause discomfort and urgency in the urine.
How Can Seniors Enhance Bladder Health?
There are many ways that seniors can monitor their bladder health, but they will need help from senior home care, their medical team, and loved ones along the way.
Some of the things they can do include the following:
Keep Hydrated: This might sound odd, but hydration is essential for general health, including bladder function. Which means that even amid bladder issues, seniors need to stay hydrated. However, seniors with incontinence issues should monitor how much they drink, especially before bedtime. Additionally, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can also aid in lessening irritation of the bladder.
Do Pelvic Floor Exercises: Reducing urinary leakage and improving bladder control are two benefits of strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Incontinent seniors can benefit most from Kegel exercises, which involve tensing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can strain the bladder and make conditions like overactive bladder and urine incontinence worse. Senior home care can help seniors by creating healthy meal plans as well as encouraging them to engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Adopt a Timed Voiding Schedule: Senior home care might also help seniors with controlling bladder function by exploring the creation of a voiding schedule. Essentially, this means not waiting until the urge becomes overwhelming, but rather urinating at predetermined intervals throughout the day.
Seek Medical Advice: It’s imperative to speak with a healthcare provider if bladder problems worsen or continue. A medical professional can perform a comprehensive assessment, identify the underlying causes, and suggest the best course of action, which may involve medication, behavioral therapy, or surgery.
For seniors who may experience age-related changes in bladder function, bladder health is a critical component of overall well-being. It is possible to manage bladder health issues and preserve independence and dignity in later life, especially with the help of senior home care and loved ones.
Sources: https://dailycaring.com/incontinence-care-9-tips-for-caregivers/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bladder-health-and-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2023/incontinence-care-guide.html
If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care Services in Southfield MI, please contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Health, LLC today. 734-259-4200
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