Incontinence
Incontinence usually begins in the late part of the middle stage of AD. It is a symptom of Alzheimer's disease that caregivers fear they will not be able to handle. Many learn to take it in stride and find that it is not the "deal breaker" they expected it to be. Knowing how to use the proper products will help you with the discomfort you may feel.
Confusion about how to find the bathroom, inability to get there on time, or a urinary tract infection may be the cause of the problem. Be sure to ask the doctor if there could be a physical cause of the problem, rather than the progression of AD.
NOTE. A regular toileting schedule and reading the signals when the person needs to go to the toilet may help the person to continue to use the toilet for a longer time. However, you will probably need to use protection for the bed since the person may sleep through the need to go.
Other suggestions for reducing the problems of incontinence:
- Always be calm and understanding when accidents occur.
- Wear gloves. This prevents the spread of disease; wash hands before and after assistance.
- If the person cannot use the toilet and cannot learn to use a urinal, commode, or in-bed toileting, incontinence products will be necessary. If the person can move around on his own, do not encourage bed toileting.
- Watch for signs of urinary tract infection (blood in urine, cloudy urine with sediment, etc.).
- Because he may not recognize the need to use the toilet, "suggestions" to go to the bathroom can be very helpful--just a simple reminder after a meal, for example, or early in the morning, or before bedtime.
- If the person is in the early stage of AD, leave a bathroom light on at night so a person can find the bathroom easily. If it is in another room, make sure the "pathway" is marked. Marking a path can be done with something simple, such as reflecting tape. A person with middle-stage AD cannot toilet himself independently. Some caregivers will wake the person at night to take him to the bathroom, while others prefer to use incontinence products.
NOTE. You may need to try different incontinence products before you find the one that works best for the person in your care. Some companies are willing to send sample packages to let you experiment with different styles, shapes, and closures.
Using a Commode
A portable commode is helpful for a person with limited mobility. The portable commode (with the pail removed) can be used over the toilet seat and as a shower seat.
Using the Bathroom Toilet
If the mobile person is missing the toilet, get a toilet seat in a color that is different from the floor color. This may help him see the toilet better. If the person with AD fails to remember to wipe himself or wash his hands, you will have to prompt him to do it, help him to do it, or do it for him.
