3 Easy Ways to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections in Someone With Dementia and Incontinence

Bladder accidents invite urinary tract infections. So if your loved one has regular or occasional incontinence, it's especially important not to overlook fever, increased confusion, disorientation, or complaints of pain -- all are signs of UTI.

To reduce the odds of a UTI:

1. Wear disposable rubber gloves when changing incontinence pads or underwear. (You can get them at hospital supply stores, including many that are online, and at amazon.com.)

2. Add a mattress protector to the bed, and -- for ease in changing bed linens -- use absorbable bed pads between the mattress pad and bottom sheet. (Again, they're at hospital supply stores, in disposable and washable forms.)

3. It should go without saying, but always wash your hands before and after dealing with toileting or accidents.