Ch. 5: Toileting & Incontinence (Caregiver College Video Series)

Summary

This video script offers caregivers practical advice on managing incontinence in their loved ones. It emphasizes the importance of understanding toileting patterns, establishing routines, and using clear signage and night lights for bathroom visits. The script suggests medical gloves and wipes as essential supplies and advises consulting a doctor for frequent accidents, which may be due to food or medication. It also covers clothing choices, specialized incontinence products, and protective bedding solutions. The key message is that with proper care, planning, and support, caregivers can help their loved ones maintain independence and dignity, despite incontinence challenges.

Takeaways

• 😔 Incontinence in loved ones can cause fear and challenges for caregivers.
• 🔍 It's important to understand and monitor your loved one's toileting patterns.
• 📅 Establishing a routine with cues or prompts can help prevent accidents.
• 🏠 Make the bathroom accessible with clear signage and night lights.
• 🧤 Keep medical gloves and wipes on hand for assistance and cleanup.
• 👩‍⚕️ Consult a doctor if accidents become more frequent; it could be due to food or medication.
• 👕 Choose clothing that facilitates easy bathroom access to maintain independence.
• 🛏️ Use specialized incontinence supplies like briefs, rubber sheets, and bed pads for added protection.
• 🧴 Seek products to protect and heal skin if irritation occurs, and consult a doctor for recommendations.
• 🤝 Maintain a supportive and positive attitude to help ease your loved one's frustration and embarrassment.

Q & A

What challenges do caregivers face when their loved ones start experiencing incontinence?

Caregivers may face challenges such as fear of not being able to continue caring for their loved one, or the possibility of having to place them in a nursing home or assisted living facility due to incontinence issues.

Is managing incontinence for a loved one as difficult as it may seem?

No, many caregivers are discovering that dealing with incontinence is much more manageable than they initially thought.

Why is it important for caregivers to understand their loved one's daily toileting pattern?

Understanding the daily toileting pattern helps in establishing a routine and preventing accidents, thus maintaining the loved one's independence for as long as possible.

What are some cues or prompts that can be established to help with bathroom visits?

Caregivers can establish a routine with clear signage, night lights, and verbal prompts to indicate when it's time for the bathroom.

What supplies should caregivers keep at hand to assist with incontinence?

Caregivers should stock up on medical gloves (latex and non-latex versions) and wipes of various kinds, which can be found at local drugstores.

What should caregivers do if their loved one starts having more frequent accidents?

If accidents become more frequent, caregivers should consult with the loved one's doctor, as food or medications might be contributing factors, and a prescription or dietary changes may help.

How can clothing choices affect a loved one's ability to manage incontinence?

Clothing should be easy to put on and take off to facilitate quick bathroom visits, which can help maintain independence and make it easier for caregivers to assist.

What are some specialized incontinence supplies that can be used for added protection?

Specialized supplies include incontinence briefs designed for leakage and odor control, fitted rubber sheets for the bed, and bed pads or underpads for additional protection.

How can caregivers prepare for nighttime incontinence issues?

For nighttime protection, caregivers can use a fitted rubber sheet on the bed and a bed pad on the mattress to absorb any moisture that the nighttime brief cannot contain.

What products can help if a loved one's skin gets irritated from incontinence?

Products like triderma, which protect and heal raw skin, can be recommended by a doctor to help with skin irritation caused by incontinence.

What is the overall message of the video script for caregivers dealing with incontinence?

The script emphasizes that with proper care, monitoring, and planning, caregivers can help their loved ones avoid the embarrassment and discomfort of incontinence, allowing them to continue living full and dignified lives.

Outlines

00:00

🤱 Managing Incontinence in Caregiving

This paragraph discusses the challenges faced by caregivers when their loved ones begin to experience incontinence, and the fear that may arise from the potential need for institutional care. It emphasizes that incontinence is manageable and introduces the video's aim to demonstrate simple ways to help control and manage this issue. The importance of understanding the loved one's toileting pattern and establishing a routine is highlighted, as well as the use of clear signage and night lights to facilitate bathroom visits. The paragraph also touches on the need for medical gloves and wipes as essential supplies for caregivers.

👚 Adapting to Incontinence with Proper Clothing

The paragraph suggests that as a loved one's condition advances, it's beneficial for caregivers to be prepared to assist with clothing adjustments and thorough cleanups. It advises stocking up on medical gloves and wipes, and consulting a doctor if accidents become more frequent, as diet or medications might be contributing factors. The doctor may recommend fluid intake adjustments or prescribe medication to address incontinence issues. The importance of choosing clothing that facilitates easy bathroom access is also mentioned to promote the loved one's independence.

🛌 Nighttime Protection and Comfort for Incontinent Individuals

This section focuses on strategies for managing incontinence during the night. It recommends the use of fitted rubber sheets and bed pads, also known as underpads, to protect the bed and provide added comfort. The paragraph explains that these pads can be easily washed or disposed of after use, ensuring a hygienic sleeping environment. It also suggests using similar pads in other areas where the loved one spends time, to prevent accidents and maintain dignity.

🧴 Skin Care for Those Suffering from Incontinence

The final paragraph addresses the skin irritation that can result from incontinence and offers solutions to protect and heal the skin. It suggests consulting the loved one's doctor for recommendations on products like triderma, which can help with skin protection and healing. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the importance of proper care, monitoring, and planning to help the loved one avoid the discomfort and embarrassment associated with incontinence, ensuring a continued full and dignified life.

Keywords

💡Caregiver

A caregiver is an individual who provides care and support to someone in need, often a family member or friend who requires assistance due to illness, disability, or age. In the context of the video, the caregiver is central to managing the incontinence issues of their loved one, ensuring their comfort and independence.

💡Incontinence

Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control, a common issue among the elderly or those with certain medical conditions. The video discusses how to manage this condition, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the needs of the person experiencing incontinence.

💡Accidents

In the script, 'accidents' is used to refer to instances of incontinence where the individual cannot reach the toilet in time. The video suggests strategies to prevent such accidents, such as establishing a routine and using incontinence supplies.

💡Routine

A routine is a regular sequence of activities performed in a specific order. The video highlights the importance of establishing a routine for bathroom visits to help manage incontinence, using cues or prompts to remind the individual when it's time to use the bathroom.

💡Independence

Independence in the context of the video means the ability of the individual with incontinence to maintain control over their daily activities, including toileting, without constant supervision. The video provides tips to support this independence, such as clear signage and easy-to-use clothing.

💡Medical Gloves

Medical gloves are protective equipment worn to prevent the spread of infection and to handle personal care tasks safely. The script mentions keeping medical gloves on hand for caregivers to assist with personal hygiene and cleanup when accidents occur.

💡Wipes

Wipes in this context are personal hygiene products used for cleaning after toileting or incontinence incidents. The video suggests stocking up on wipes of various kinds to assist with maintaining cleanliness and comfort.

💡Fluid Intake

Fluid intake refers to the consumption of liquids, which can affect the frequency of urination. The video mentions that a doctor may advise limiting fluid intake, especially before bedtime, as a strategy to manage incontinence.

💡Clothing

The type of clothing worn can impact the ease of using the toilet and managing incontinence. The video suggests choosing clothing that is easy to put on and take off, facilitating independence and ease of care.

💡Incontinence Supplies

Incontinence supplies include products designed to manage and contain urine or bowel leakage, such as briefs, pads, and sheets. The video discusses the importance of having these supplies readily available to handle accidents and maintain dignity.

💡Skin Irritation

Skin irritation can result from prolonged contact with moisture due to incontinence. The video mentions the use of products like triderma to protect and heal the skin, emphasizing the need for proactive skin care in managing incontinence.

Highlights

Caregivers can manage incontinence challenges with proper strategies.

Understanding the daily toileting pattern of the loved one is crucial.

Establishing a routine with cues or prompts can help prevent accidents.

Using clear signage and night lights can assist with bathroom visits.

Medical gloves and wipes are essential supplies for managing incontinence.

Consulting a doctor can identify causes of increased incontinence frequency.

Adjusting diet or medications may alleviate incontinence issues.

Limiting fluid intake before bed can reduce nighttime accidents.

Choosing clothing that facilitates easy bathroom access is beneficial.

Incontinence supplies such as briefs help manage leakage and odor.

Using a fitted rubber sheet can protect the bed during nighttime.

Bed pads or underpads provide additional protection against moisture.

Skin irritation from incontinence can be addressed with healing products.

Products like triderma can protect and heal irritated skin.

Maintaining a good attitude supports the loved one's dignity and comfort.

Regular monitoring and planning can help avoid incontinence embarrassment.

Being available to assist with bathroom needs fosters independence.

Caregivers can continue to support a full and dignified life with proper care.

Transcripts

[Music]

if you're a caregiver and your loved one

is starting to have accidents within

continents it could mean a world of

challenges and fear fear that you may

not be able to continue to take care of

your loved one or that you may have no

alternative but to place him or her in a

nursing home or assisted living facility

but does it have to end up that way

in fact as more and more caregivers are

discovering dealing with your loved ones

Inc continence is much more manageable

than you may think in this video we'll

show you how easy it can be to help

manage and control your loved On's

incontinence problems what do you mean

even before your loved one begins to

show evidence of incontinence it's

important for you to become acquainted

with his or her daily toileting pattern

follow me um is it time to go to the

bathroom yes it is yeah you think so

okay come on you may already be

acquainted with the signals that he or

she may have to go but it's also a good

idea to establish a routine of cues or

prompts to visit the bathroom at certain

times during the day it's a good first

step to prevent

accidents oh there it is you certainly

want your loved one to remain

independent for as long as possible so

make it easy for him or her with clear

signage and night lights for those

visits to the bathroom day or night

put your zipper up as your loved one's

condition advances it's good to be

nearby to help with adjusting clothes or

a thorough cleanup for this reason it's

good to stock up on and keep two

important supplies at hand these are

medical gloves and wipes medical gloves

come in latex and non-latex versions and

wipes of all kinds can be found at your

local

drugstore if despite all your efforts

your loved one begins to have more

frequent accidents you may want to check

with his or her doctor sometimes food or

medications may be to blame and a

prescription is all it takes to help

clear up urinary or bowel Inc continents

the doctor may also advise your loved

one to limit fluid intake during the day

or just before going to

bed if incontinence is now a fact of

life consider the clothing your loved

one wears does it make going to the

bathroom easier or more difficult

remember the easier it is for your loved

one to use the toilet the better chances

he or she has to remain independent and

the easier it is for you to

help still accidents will happen and

you'll want to be prepared with the

proper incontinent supplies and by

remaining supportive and keeping a good

attitude you'll help ease your loved

one's frustration and

embarrassment specialized incontinent

supplies such as these briefs are made

to take care of of leakage and odor

these are easily put on while dressing

or at the toilet and can be easily

disposed for Extra Protection at night a

fitted rubber sheet can be placed on the

bed under the usual fitted sheet this

rubber sheet can later be washed as

needed a bed pad also called an underpad

or Chuck on the mattress provides an

added benefit for your loved one placed

on the sheet so he or she can lie

directly on it the bed pad will absorb

any moisture that the nighttime brief

cannot contain you just remove and

dispose of the bed pad if its

moist these same type of pads can also

be used on your loved one's favorite

places to sit and

relax if your loved one's skin gets

irritated from incontinence there are

products out there that can

help check first with your loved one's

Doctor Who May recommend products like

triderma which will protect and heal raw

skin so there you are you can help your

loved one avoid the embarrassment and

discomfort of incontinence all it takes

is proper care monitoring and a bit of

planning remember to know your loved

ones toileting patterns and establish

regular

cues put up signage and keep the house

well lit at night stock up on

incontinent

supplies buy clothing that is easy to

put on and take off talk to a doctor

when increased frequency and and or skin

irritation occurs and just be available

when your loved one needs

help by keeping these simple things in

mind you and your loved one can continue

to live full and dignified lives