Many seniors worry about becoming incontinent as they get older. Incontinence and bladder issues are very common among seniors. Nearly half of all seniors report having some degree of incontinence. Women who have had children have a high risk of incontinence as they get older. But there are things that seniors can do to protect their bladder health, prevent UTIs, and improve their pelvic floor muscles. A home care provider can support your senior in making these daily changes to improve bladder health:

Drink More Water

It might seem counterintuitive, but drinking more water and hydrated is essential for bladder health. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluid intake close to bedtime to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom. Cranberry juice is also good for seniors to drink as long as it’s unsweetened juice.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a critical role in controlling urination. Seniors can perform Kegel exercises regularly to improve bladder control and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.

Lose Weight If Necessary

Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary incontinence. Seniors should aim to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reduce the strain on their bladder.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can act as diuretics, increasing urine production and potentially irritating the bladder. Seniors should consume these beverages in moderation and be mindful of their effects on bladder function. Seniors who are struggling with alcohol should talk to their doctors to find options to help them control their drinking.

Eat More Fiber

Constipation can contribute to bladder problems, as a full rectum can put pressure on the bladder. Seniors should incorporate a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements.

Don’t Hold Urine

Establishing a regular bathroom schedule, even if you don’t feel the urge, can help train the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. Gradually increasing the time between bathroom breaks can improve bladder capacity.

Avoid These Foods

Certain foods and beverages, such as spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and citrus fruits, can irritate the bladder lining. Seniors should identify and avoid these potential irritants to reduce the risk of bladder discomfort.

Quit Smoking

There are a lot of reasons why seniors should quit smoking, including better bladder health. Smoking can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of bladder cancer. Seniors should consider quitting smoking to improve bladder health and reduce the risk of associated health problems.

Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension can affect bladder function. Seniors should work with their healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively, as improved overall health can positively impact bladder health.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Proper hygiene can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common among seniors. It’s essential to practice good genital hygiene, wipe front to back, and empty the bladder regularly to flush out potential bacteria.

Source:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/urinary-incontinence-inevitable-part-aging

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Springtown, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Bosque County, Hill County, Navarro County, Henderson County, Erath County, Somervell County, Johnson County, Ellis County, Parker County, Tarrant County, Dallas County, Kaufman County, Rains County, Hood County, VanZandt County, and Rockwall County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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