How do you cope with a mother who at 91-years-old is starting to have more and more day-time bathroom accidents? We give frequent bathroom reminders, and help with depends/diapers. She seems so unaware at times and yet will get up several times at night herself to use the bathroom! Her bed stays dry ! She is often offended by the reminders to go and she is nearly deaf so that I have to practically shout at her . She is such a sweet and appreciative lady and I hate to embarrass her, but if I ignore the problem, my house will smell of urine and she will be wet and smelly much of the time. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Yes, I already provide and assist her to wear her Depends with extra poise pads attached. We put a washable pad on all chairs and beds for her. She takes meds for several health issues including Myeloma. I know she just doesn't always have control or an awareness. I certainly don't blame her, I'll probably be in her situation someday myself. I guess I just needed to tell someone. It makes me sad, because she was always such a carefully groomed lady! I often console myself, that her memory lapse is a good thing, because if she really knew her lack of grooming she'd be so humiliated!
Thanks,
DEA
My Mom is 81 and can't make it to the bathroom sometimes but at this point the poise pads and depends help. She can clean up herself for now but I know she is embarassed.
God Bless!
I believe this is rather a common issue-and easily corrected - medically.
Best to you and your Mom
Hap
He normally wears pads only during the day. The catheters have also come in handy for really long car trips or appointments, once or twice a year--in this case he wears a strap around his ankle to hold the catheter apparatus.
I believe there are disposable external catheters for women, too. I don't know how practical they may or may not be.
Is the need for preventative antibiotics based on having a weakened immune system and/or another condition? Based on having tried treatments for a UTI that have failed? I'm just curious to understand; had not heard of this till now (other than antibiotics which are given to patients with certain conditions prior to having dental work, etc.)
Reminder to those of us who still have time: Do those Kegels daily!
Take care, Laura
Take care, Laura