family caregiver part i: tips for recognizing, discussing, and caring for a loved one

Part I: Tips For Recognizing, Discussing, And Caring For A Loved One

Continence Care Management: What A Family Caregiver Needs to KnowFrom The National Association For Continence

Role as Family Caregiver• Support your loved one and

assure them of the importance of seeking a healthcare provider for recommendations

• Educate yourself about options, resources, and opportunities

• Understand the etiology (source and factors) of the symptoms

• Express your willingness to be proactive

• Bring up other topics such as diet adjustment, physical activity etc.

Recognizing

• It is important for family caregivers to recognize the importance of addressing continence care.

• As family caregiver should educate themselves to recognize the symptoms and severity of incontinence toileting, needs, limitations, and absorbent product requirements.

• Transitioning into the role of a family caregiver can be a difficult one, especially when incontinence is involved.

• Being a caregiver can present its own unique challenges, addressing some concerns and asking simple questions can give you a better understanding of the patients situation

Medical Conditions That Contribute to Incontinence

• Alzheimer’s Disease• Arthritis• Central Nervous Disorders• Dementia• Diabetes• Hypertension• Insomnia• Obesity• Parkinson’s Disease• Urinary Tract Infections

Discussing

Asking some simple questions can also give you a clear understanding:• Do you ever have difficulty making it to the bathroom on

time?• Do you need to urinate more than every two hours or more

than eight times a day?• Do you need to get up more than once a night to urinate?

How often, if ever, do you reach the toilet in time?• Do you ever need to wear a pad or something to protect

your clothes from leakage?

Caring• Care for your loved one according to their specific case• Continence status should be assessed and any change should be documented • Screening includes:

- Physical functionality - Incontinence severity - Degree of assistance needed with toileting

Thank you!