Urinary incontinence is a very common issue among those living with Parkinson’s disease, but as a family caregiver it is important to acknowledge the emotional impact this symptom can have on your aging parent. For many elders, urinary incontinence is frustrating, embarrassing, and upsetting. Experiencing this type of symptom can even lead your aging parent to suffer serious mental and emotional health consequences such as depression and anxiety.
Helping your parent cope with the emotional impact of urinary incontinence is just as important as helping them to control the symptoms, and cope with the daily requirement of managing this issue.
Some ways you can help your parent deal with the emotional impact of urinary incontinence in Parkinson’s disease includes:
Be honest about the situation, and don’t try to avoid talking about it, or beat around the bush about it. This can make your parents feel uncomfortable, or as though there is something for them to be embarrassed about.
Never make jokes or tease your senior about these symptoms, even if you are trying to put them at ease. Making fun of your loved one in any way can be embarrassing and disheartening, and leave your parents feeling disrespected and belittled.
Reassure your senior that there’s nothing for them to be embarrassed about, and this is a very common issue. Many people living with Parkinson’s disease experience bladder related issues, and incontinence is also common among senior adults not living with this progressive disease. Helping your parent to understand this can make them feel less alone.
Never act disgusted or put off by the effects of urinary incontinence. Even if you are needed to help your parent use the restroom or clean up after them, do so quickly, effectively, and with dignity. This will help both of you feel more comfortable, and will inspire a sense of trust and security in your parent so they will be more willing to come to you to discuss other symptoms they might be facing.
Focus on the effects of the issue rather than the issue itself. Rather than emphasizing the incontinence aspect, focus instead on caring for your senior’s skin and keeping it healthy and safe. This pulls the attention away from the more potentially embarrassing aspect and to the need to prevent complications.
When many people think of elder care, the first thing they think about is the physical benefits of care services. Assistance to manage mobility issues, support for balance problems, meal preparation, medication reminders, and other related services can be instrumental in helping your parent to maintain better health and safety as they age in place. These are not the only benefits they can glean from elder care, however.
An elder home care services provider can also be extremely beneficial in helping your parent to maintain better mental and emotional health and well-being throughout their later years. This can be particularly meaningful if they are coping with difficult issues such as Parkinson’s disease. Emotional support, companionship, and encouragement to engage in a lifestyle that is more active and fulfilling can all help your parent to ward off potentially serious mental emotional health issues such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, isolation, and lack of motivation. All of these give your parent an overall better quality of life as they age.
Sources: http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes-and-Statistics/Statistics
http://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Symptoms/Non-Movement-Symptoms/Urinary-Incontinence
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Westwood MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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