3 Bladder Leakage Causes in Seniors and How to Treat Them

Incontinence, or reduced bladder control, is a distressing and sensitive issue, particularly for seniors. It can cause a variety of concerns, from skin sores to social isolation for individuals who are afraid to leave the house in case of an “accident.” Yet while bladder leakage causes as many as 25 million Americans to suffer with complications, the affliction hardly ever gets the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of communication and facts about senior incontinence, many older adults and those who provide their care feel as though there's nothing that can be done about it.

Nevertheless, senior incontinence is not unavoidable as people age. While many older individuals do find that their bladder may be “weak,” leading to leaks, sometimes the issue has a simple solution.

Below are some bladder leakage causes that can be treated:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs, also known as bladder infections, result in an overwhelming urge to pass urine. In younger people, this sensation is apparent, but it isn’t always as apparent for older individuals. If an older person presents with sudden urinary incontinence when this wasn’t a difficulty before, look for other signs that suggest a UTI, such as:

• Sudden confusion or agitation
• Hallucinations
• Other behavioral changes
• Poor motor skills
• Falls

You might also notice:

• Strong smelling urine
• Cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
• Fever
• Complaints of pain when urinating
• Complaints of pressure or pain in the abdomen
• Night sweats

If you believe your loved one may have a UTI, the senior should be evaluated by the doctor and have his or her urine tested. Once the infection has been treated, the incontinence should be resolved or lessened.

Mobility loss

As mobility reduces, incontinence can come to be an issue. The urge to urinate may come on abruptly and the senior may not be able to get to the bathroom fast enough. This could also be an issue in the evenings, as it often takes longer to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and awakening in the middle of the night can also lead to some confusion.

For older individuals with mobility issues, an in-home assessment from one of our in-home care professionals can help offer suggestions.

Medications

Certain drugs, such as diuretics, boost the level of urine produced, causing an increased urge to urinate. If your loved one is on a medication that increases urine production, it is crucial to keep this in mind if the person has to leave the house or is not nearby a readily accessible bathroom.

At All Care In-Home Care Solutions, we understand how UTIs, senior incontinence, and other senior health issues can affect quality of life. Our highly trained Medford senior care team provides a wide array of home care services, including mobility and toileting assistance, medication reminders, and bathing and grooming assistance, to help your senior loved one live his or her best life. Call us today at (541) 857-9195 to learn more about our expert in home senior services in Medford, Oregon and the surrounding areas. To contact us online, please fill out our contact form.