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Lesson 3. Toileting and continence care

Using incontinence aids and equipment

Using incontinence aids and equipment
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In the late stages of dementia, the person living with dementia may not be able to control their bladder and bowel movements. Before using any incontinence aids and equipment, you should ask a health professional to help identify the cause(s) of incontinence, as these may be treatable and therefore reversible.

Tip

  • There are numerous disposable and/or washable incontinence aids, pads and equipment. When selecting products, you should consider their cost, effectiveness, comfort and convenience.
  • For bedridden males, using urinals to collect urine may help. Some of these urinals are designed to prevent the backward leaking of urine.
Let’s look at an example  

Badriya is in a late stage of Alzheimer’s disease and is living with her son’s family. Her daughter-in-law, Ameera, is taking care of her. 
Since Badriya cannot control her bladder or bowel movement, the doctor suggests that Ameera try incontinence pads for Badriya.

In the beginning, Ameera encounters a number of problems:

  • Badriya constantly takes the pad off and throws it on the floor.
  • Badriya still has wet pants even when using incontinence pads.
  • Badriya has skin problems in her genital area.
3. Check your understanding
Use of personal hygiene products.

What do you think is the right response for Badriya?
Please select the correct answer.


Tip

Below are some tips for incontinence care.

Problems Possible causes Recommended solutions
Constantly taking the pad off and throwing it on the floor
  • Feeling uncomfortable with the pad The pad size is wrong
  • The pad is wet and needs to be changed
  • Check whether the pad size is correct
  • Change the wet pad on time
  • Consult the doctor regarding the person’s behaviour
Still having wet pants even while using the incontinence pads
  • The pad size is incorrect
  • The schedule for using the toilet has not been maintained
  • Use the right size and type of pad Maintain
  • scheduled trips to the toilet to minimize the use of pads
Having sore or irritated skin in the genital area
  • Incontinence pads can cause skin breakdown
  • Unsuitable pad size and delaying changes of soiled pads in a timely manner can cause skin infection
  • Select suitable pad size and type
  • Change the soiled pad on time and maintain hygiene around genital area
  • Apply protective creams or lotions that maintain healthy skin
Having fever, being in pain, strong smell of urine
  • Urinary tract infections are triggered by a number of factors, including incontinence and poor genital care
  • See the doctor
  • Maintain an intake of 6 - 8 glasses of water or juice per day except if the person is under fluid or dietary restriction Maintain good genital care

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