Preventing UTIs with bladder control

Senior Living - Urinary Incontinence and UTIs - how are they related?‍

UTI or Urinary Tract Infections go hand-in-hand with Incontinence. A person with UTI might have lower abdominal pain, blood in urine, fever, nausea etc.

Over 4 million doctor visits per year in the US are for UTIs, with women more susceptible than men. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, this allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily and settle into the bladder wall.

Urinary incontinence is a common sign of a UTI. Along with the frequent need to urinate, a person with a UTI can experience a burning sensation during urination or notice traces of blood in their urine. ‍

Let’s focus on another demographic group that suffers the most from UTIs - Seniors.‍

In seniors, conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease often require people to wear pads or incontinence briefs. If these are not changed regularly, there is a high risk of infection. Other conditions like dementia, catheter use, bladder or bowel incontinence or a prolapsed bladder can cause a UTI as well. ‍

As an older adult, what can you do to take preventative measure against a UTI?‍

UTIs are recurrent and can take different forms every time. While it is difficult to prevent an infection all together, there are a few measures that can be put to practice to reduce it’s occurrence.

1. Stay hydrated
2. Change incontinence briefs frequently
3. Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol
4. Keep the genital area clean. Ensure to wipe the area after every visit to the bathroom, front to back
5. Do not douche
6. Try to visit the bathroom as promptly as you can. Delaying bathroom visits by withholding urine, can cause a UTI
   

Why is UTI such a big deal in nursing homes?‍

UTI can cause a lot of confusion and dementia in older adults. While practising preventative measures is essential, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis.

For dependant adults or those facing challenges of immobility and self-help, efficient nursing home or long term-care is essential in preventing UTIs. They rely on the support of the primary or professional caregivers to keep them clean.

If you or a loved one are in care, make sure to speak to your physician about UTIs, engage with the management of the care facility to understand how personal hygiene is managed. Take note of measures in place for response and flag unique conditions upfront, if anything is specifically unique to your or your loved ones condition.

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