Elderly continence care at home
Compassionate care for older adults living with incontinence, providing practical assistance and emotional support to empower their independence, confidence and wellbeing.
What is continence care?
Continence care is designed to assist older adults with bladder or bowel incontinence, who may need more help managing their individual symptoms and emotional needs. Continence care may help with:
- Maintaining a regular bathroom schedule to prevent accidents
- Changing and cleaning if accidents occur
- Ensuring skin is clean to avoid irritation
- Supplying and managing incontinence products like pads or protective underwear
- Providing encouragement to do pelvic floor exercises or bladder training
- Supporting a healthy diet and fluid intake to manage symptoms
- Providing emotional support to avoid embarrassment or anxiety
- Promoting dignity and comfort while managing incontinence issues
Why is continence care helpful for older adults?
Studies suggest around 20% of older adults in the UK live with bladder incontinence, and 10% live with bowel incontinence. As well as the physical symptoms that cause loss of bladder or bowel control, this condition can also lead to shame, embarrassment and mental health issues like anxiety or loneliness from social isolation.
Having dedicated, respectful continence care from a trained professional, rather than from a family member, can help older people facing this problem to maintain their dignity, avoid embarrassing accidents, and maintain their comfort and quality of life. The emotional and practical help offered with continence care can be a vital support for older adults dealing with this often overwhelming and upsetting symptom.
Do I need continence care?
Those who experience loss of bladder or bowel control may find their quality of life is greatly improved through continence care. For example, catheter use can enable older people to continue with routines and social activities without fear of embarrassing accidents, but this requires hygiene practices that could be more easily adhered to with professional continence care.
Continence care can also encourage pelvic floor exercises (if recommended by a doctor), foster healthy eating and drinking habits, and take over any strenuous activities that could lead to incontinence for an older person. While incontinence can sometimes be managed alone, professional continence care could enhance the wellbeing of older adults living with this condition.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
Knowing that mum has caring and genuine people to help take care of her gives me peace of mind and mum looks forward to seeing the Care Professionals. Thank you for making such a big difference to both of our lives.Rebecca, Client's Family
We have been relying on Home Instead for nearly five years now and they have been wonderfully helpful and flexible throughout. I don’t know what we’d do without them.Carol, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
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How to get started arranging continence care
We understand living with incontinence can be both physically challenging and emotionally disheartening, so our compassionate Care Professionals are experienced in providing discreet, sensitive and person-centred continence care.
We always endeavour to pair clients with a Care Professional who matches their personality and respects the way they like things done. Our helpful office staff can answer any questions you have about arranging continence care, whether as a stand-alone service or combined with other personal care needs. If incontinence is having a negative impact on your life or the life of your relative, we can help manage this in a patient, judgement-free way that allows you or your loved one to enjoy everyday life free from worry.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly Care Professionals are dedicated to making sure older adults with incontinence issues get the patient, compassionate and positive support they need to continue living life on their terms. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Alongside continence care, we can combine other services to create a bespoke package that works for you or your loved one. Whatever your needs are–from personal care to specialist care to housekeeping–our Care Professionals can help.
We understand there’s no place like home, so our domiciliary care options can help older adults to continue living comfortably in the place they love.
FAQs
What is elderly continence care at home?
Elderly continence care at home provides support for older adults experiencing bladder or bowel control issues. The aim is to promote dignity, comfort, and independence through tailored care plans. This care can include help with managing incontinence pads, toileting routines, and advice on living more comfortably with continence challenges.
What services are included in continence care?
Continence care services vary depending on individual needs and may include:
- Assistance with toileting routines
- Guidance on continence products, such as pads, liners, or protective garments
- Help with personal hygiene and skin care to prevent irritation or infections
- Support with hydration and nutrition to aid bladder and bowel health
- Advice on exercises or lifestyle changes to improve continence
- Emotional support to address any anxieties related to continence management
Home visits can be arranged to suit individual schedules and care needs.
How can continence care improve quality of life?
Proper continence care can significantly improve an elderly individual’s comfort, confidence, and overall well-being. It allows them to maintain dignity and independence while reducing the risk of skin problems or infections. With professional care at home, individuals can continue to participate in daily activities and stay connected with their community, rather than feeling isolated due to continence issues.
How do I arrange continence care at home?
To arrange care, get in touch with your local Home Instead office for an initial chat, and we’ll put together a package that’s fully tailored for your needs.
What should I consider when choosing a continence care provider?
When selecting a provider, look for one like Home Instead that employs trained and experienced carers who specialise in elderly care and have experience in handling continence issues. Check for accreditation, insurance, and reputation by reading reviews or asking for recommendations. A good provider will work closely with you to regularly review and adapt the care plan, ensuring it continues to meet your needs effectively.