Incontinence in the elderly

People of all ages can suffer from incontinence, but the majority of those who suffer from this embarrassing condition are over the age of sixty. It is also much more commonly found in women than it is in men. This is because childbirth affects the muscles that control urination and defecation.
Elderly people are especially prone to incontinence because of weakened pelvic muscles, urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate gland in men, diabetes, high calcium levels in the body, a thinning of the vagina wall or simply an inability to move fast enough to get to the toilet in time.
Why is incontinence so distressing?
Visiting the toilet is an essential action that most of us take for granted. But for an older person, incontinence can make them feel that are losing control. Obviously, this can have serious effects on an elderly person's dignity and self esteem, especially when they are still mentally active. Many people find it totally embarrassing to have to accept help from other people, especially if the carer is a relative.
How can it affect people with dementia?
If the person you are caring for suffers from dementia, incontinence can bring additional care problems. Some sufferers seem to accept it, whereas others find it highly distressing and humiliating. As a result, they make take actions to conceal their difficulties including such as the evidence. For example, they may take off clothes soaked in urine and try to hide them or they may put faeces in the bin. Confusion may result in the elderly person going to the toilet in the wrong place such as a wardrobe or waste paper bin.