As people grow older, there are chances that medical issues may arise. As a result, their several joints, muscles or even organs may grow weaker. Besides mobility issues, incontinence leak may also impact several elderly people due to weaker functioning of the urinary bladder or other organs of the urinary system. They may find it difficult to use the loo and maintain their hygiene.
A toilet frame and incontinence sheets can help manage their mobility issues and incontinence issues well.
Before we proceed, let's clear one thing here. Though nobody can replace a qualified physiotherapist's advice on using any such aids, below are several general conditions that may help you decide when to consider buying a toilet or incontinence aid.
1. Helping the Elderly Use the Loo
There are two common toilet supports - a simple toilet frame and toilet seat with a frame that can help the elderly use the loo comfortably.
a. Conditions a Simple Frame May Help With
If you think you find it hard to sit without support due to balance or mobility issues, a frame may help. A toilet frame around your toilet seat can
Provide you with the extra support when getting up from or sitting on the toilet with the armrests on both sides.
Help you develop more confidence and a sense of security when using the toilet making it feel like sitting on a normal chair.
Prevent you from falling sideways and getting injuries in case you have weakness post a long-drawn disease, are in a recuperating phase of a disease or are suffering from balance issues.
b. Conditions a Toilet Seat with Frame May Help With
Buying a toilet seat with a frame may be more suitable if you:
Need to hold on to a radiator or nearby sink to pull up or sit down on your toilet seat every time or need a carer to help you with that.
Have issues with bending your joints or reduced leg strength due to arthritis, osteoporosis or other age-related issues and need a raised seat to sit comfortably without straining.
Have had knee or hip replacement surgery in the recent past.
2. Helping the Elderly Tackle Incontinence Issues
For the elderly who suffer from incontinence and leak issues, maintenance of hygiene becomes difficult and an embarrassing issue too. Fortunately, incontinence pads and sheets may help them tackle this issue to a great extent.
Below are several general conditions an incontinence pad or sheet can help you with:
Sleepless Nocturia
If you are suffering from leaky or overactive bladder due to underlying medical conditions like kidney infections or gender-specific issues like prostate or ovarian cyst, an adult incontinence diaper may be a good idea. This is because it can help you get a sound sleep which will prevent the development of secondary issues like stress or depression due to poor sleep.
Stress or Urge Incontinence
At times, sneezing, coughing or exercises may cause leakage as people grow old due to the weakened or damaged muscles that can't handle the strain. This is the 'stress incontinence' that may be more common in aged people. Another type of incontinence is the urge incontinence that may be a finding in even younger patients.
Generally, a male with a short-term UTI or a pregnant female may experience its symptoms more. In this medical condition, the bladder contracts early even when it is not full. Consequently, the patient feels the urge to urinate frequently to relax the contracted bladder. At times, several irritants like coffee or tea, or even some medicines may aggravate this situation even further.
Post-Surgery Recuperation
If you have recently undergone surgery and your doctor has advised you to minimize movements, an adult diaper may help you with that. It may help reduce the count of short walks to and from the loo and prevent unnecessary exhaustion. As a result, you get more time to rest that can help you recuperate faster.
In a Nutshell
Toilet support and incontinence sheets are two essential aids for the elderly. While the toilet support helps them use the loo without excessive straining or physical discomfort, incontinence sheets help them tackle the leakage and incontinence issues related to geriatric medical conditions or short-term medical issues.
Source :
Comments