Over time, various bodily functions operate differently than when people were younger. Bathroom visits can be a cause of concern for aging adults, especially if they’re concerned they’re visiting the bathroom too often. There are lots of considerations, ranging from bladder health to lifestyle factors. Seniors who are having a lot of trouble with incontinence or other bathroom issues might benefit from help from home care providers.
What Is Normal Urinary Frequency?
Normal urinary frequency is something that varies widely from one person to another. There are so many different factors, including bladder size, overall health, fluid intake, and more. In general, though, most seniors are likely to visit the bathroom every few hours during the day. What can help is to track what normal seems to be and then be alert to variations in that routine.
Considering Fluid Intake and Hydration
Proper hydration is key to overall health for seniors, but it does have an impact on urinary frequency. This is often why some seniors who are worried about incontinence start to limit their fluid intake when they’re concerned about having an accident. There needs to be a balance, however, so that seniors are properly hydrated. It’s a good idea to talk to medical providers about how much water is right.
Bladder Health
As seniors age, they may find that their bladder health and bladder capacity change. Muscles in the bladder can become weaker over time, making it more difficult for the bladder to hold urine for longer periods of time. This can lead to more frequent urges to go to the bathroom and to leakage.
Underlying Medical Issues
Some health issues can also lead to bladder issues or to increased urinary frequency. Urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, diabetes, and more can lead to increased urgency and frequency of urination. Changes in urinary habits indicate that it’s time to check in with medical providers to determine if any new health conditions have cropped up or if existing health issues have changed.
Medications and Side Effects
Occasionally seniors may find that the medications they use to resolve health issues have side effects that contribute to urinary changes. Medications for conditions like high blood pressure, for instance, act as diuretics which increase urinary frequency. Changes in urinary frequency may level out after taking medications for a while, but it’s still important to talk with medical providers to determine what’s normal and what needs attention.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain choices have an impact on urinary frequency, too. Alcohol and caffeine, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks can all irritate the bladder. This can lead to symptoms of overactive bladder, including increased urges to urinate. Keeping a food log with the help of elder care providers can help seniors to notice which triggers are causing issues.
Nighttime Bathroom Visits
Increased nighttime urination, called nocturia, can be an issue for seniors. This can cause serious sleep interruptions, which then can lead to daytime sleepiness and other issues. Seniors who have a difficult time with overnight confusion or mobility issues might benefit from having home care providers overnight to help keep them safe.
Understanding what’s normal for one particular senior in terms of bathroom visits and urinary frequency is extremely helpful in understanding overall bladder health. Seniors can benefit from having home care providers there with them to offer assistance with nutrition, daily tasks, and reminders to take better care of their bladders.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Graham, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 325-430-0151
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in McCulloch County, San Saba County, Mills County, Hamilton County, Runnels County, Coleman County, Brown County, Comanche County, Eastland County, Callahan County, Palo Pinto County, Stephens County, Shackleford County, Jack County, Young County, Throckmorton County, Concho County, Archer County, Clay County, Wilbarger County, and Wichita County in Texas.
- 5 Things Seniors Can Do To Avoid Rashes - May 14, 2024
- Here’s Why Seniors Should Be Practicing Gratitude - May 2, 2024
- When Does Your Senior Mom Need Companion Care? - April 18, 2024
