Although people often think urinary incontinence is something that occurs naturally with age, it is not part of the normal process of aging!
Incontinence is often a symptom of an underlying health issue. Incontinence care is known to be one of the biggest causes of stress for caregivers.
The Bladder Health chapter explores the following topics:
- Understanding the underlying causes of urinary incontinence.
- The six types of urinary incontinence and how to identify them.
- How to have a conversation about urinary incontinence.
- Tips for improving urinary incontinence issues right now.
- How to maintain the dignity of the person you care for about urinary incontinence.
- The emotional, physical and social costs of urinary incontinence.
- Managing the impact of urinary incontinence on your caregiving relationship.
- Myths about bladder health.
- How to talk to a health care professional about urinary incontinence.
- Where to get additional support online and in-person.
Common Terms
Throughout the Bladder Health Chapter, we’ll explore the following terms:
| Urinary Incontinence | An uncontrolled loss of bladder control causing leaking of urine. |
| Bowel/Fecal Incontinence | The involuntary loss of stool from the bowel and is much less common than urinary incontinence. |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection; one of the most common causes of incontinence common signs of which are burning when urinating, going to the bathroom frequently, and an urgent feeling to urinate. |
| Constipation | Common signs are one or fewer bowel movements in two days, movements that are difficult to pass and are hard or dry. |
| Functional Incontinence | Not being able to get to the bathroom on time due to reasons other than the bladder or urinary system (e.g. problems walking, with memory/thinking, medications). |
| Transient Incontinence | Other health issues that can be easily treated if recognized (e.g. urinary tract infection). |
| Stress Incontinence | Weak muscles in the urinary system and sudden exertion (e.g. sneezing, coughing, laughing). |
| Urge Incontinence | Sudden or urgent need to urinate caused by issues with the bladder (e.g. an infection). |
| Overflow Incontinence | An overly full bladder as a result of a blockage (e.g. constipation) or weak bladder muscles. |
| Total Incontinence | Complete loss of bladder control as a result of neurological health conditions (e.g. spinal cord damage, multiple sclerosis). |
Next Steps
- Download the Caregiving Strategies Handbook for reference to all chapters in one location.
- If you want to learn more Caregiving Strategies, register for the online course. This course allows you to work through these topics at your own pace alongside other caregivers.
- Sign up below if you would like to receive updates from PGLO about resources for caregivers and or upcoming online course offerings.