Aging and our minds

The person you’re caring for may show some signs of wanting to visit the bathroom. For example, they might fidget, pull at their clothes or stand up and down. Try to watch them closely and frequently. Become familiar with their behavior so you can recognize when they need your help.

It’s important to be prepared for when your loved one needs to use the bathroom. This will help keep them calm and comfortable, and make your caregiving role easier. Having the right incontinence products is a great place to start. It’s also helpful to try to encourage her or him to form regular toileting habits. By recognizing when they need to go, you’ll help to preserve their self-esteem.

Keeping the right products on hand will help make your caregiving much simpler. If you’re well prepared, it will be easier for you to help your loved one feel clean and comfortable. Having a kit with incontinence products, wipes, sealable bags, and an extra change of clothes will make it possible for you to assist your loved one whenever necessary. If you’re planning to take your loved one out for the day, remember to plan which toilet they can use or where you’d be able to clean and change them.

If your loved one has a more advanced form of incontinence, you can help them when they need to use the toilet. Encourage them to go to the bathroom with your support. Do an assessment and try to find out the best times to do this to get toileting when needed. When these times are identified, stick to the plan, follow them to the bathroom at the same times each day. This could help them to form regular habits and potentially reduce incontinence episodes.