Urinary Incontinence Causes Depression in Elderly Persons

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Urinary incontinence in seniors and the elderly leads to an increased risk of depression and lower quality of life.
This happens because elderly individuals are embarrassed about their condition and prefer to stay at home where they can manage their condition on their own without others knowing about it.
The good news for elderly individuals suffering from urinary incontinence is that there is relief.
There are a number of products that will allow you to keep your dignity as they will catch the urine that does dribble throughout the day.
If you are helping an elderly loved one that is suffering from urinary incontinence, one of the best things you can do is to purchase them adult diapers and other products that will allow them to get out of the home and enjoy their life again.
It is also important to modify their home (if they are still living at home) to make it easier for them to get to the restroom in a timely manner.
Some people will end up adding a port-a-potty to the bedroom or living room if the elderly individual suffers from urge incontinence.
Other individuals will focus on adding things to the restroom like a raised toilet seat along with using support bars that will make it easier to stand up and sit down when using the toilet.
Another important thing to do is to keep the home free of clutter and piles that the individual could trip on.
Keeping the home clean makes it much easier for them to get around and to prevent falls when rushing to the restroom to give their bladder some relief.
Getting treatment for urinary incontinence and the depression that comes as a side effect to it will be one of the most important things you can do.
About 15% of elderly individuals suffering from urinary incontinence will deal with depression and they will also be at an increased risk for other issues like falls.
Losing control over your bladder may lead to social isolation if you do not use products and exercises that will be able to help you manage your condition.
When an elderly individual becomes socially isolated it will lead to mental and physical deterioration.
It can shorten their lifespan and also causes loss in their quality of life.
This is why it is so important to speak to your elderly loved one about their condition and to really help them manage it and overcome the fear of having an episode of urinary incontinence in public.
Pads and other undergarments are available to help you live your life again and to enjoy being social with loved ones.
It is also advisable to pack a small bag of clothes to take with you along with a change of undergarments in the event that you do have leakage while you are out enjoying a movie or dining with friends.
Being prepared is one of the best things to do about urinary incontinence.
One other important thing to do is to get plenty of exercise along with watching what you eat.
In many cases elderly individuals are not properly nourished and do not drink enough fluid, causing them to deal with urinary tract infections along with constipation.
Exercises such as Kegel exercises will help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the bladder, allowing you to have more control over the urine leakage.
Keeping the pelvic core muscles strong not only helps to reduce bladder control problems but it also helps with balance issues and may prevent falls as well.
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