Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urination.  The patient may leak urine or may not be able to hold their urine at all.

Some causes of urinary incontinence may include:

• use of medications such as diuretics, sedatives or alcohol
• inability to reach the bathroom in a timely manner
• weak muscles in the pelvis area
• constipation
• confusion
• anxiety or nervousness
• urinary infections
• damage to the bladder from injury or illness
• side effects of radiation treatments

What You Can Do:

Managing urinary incontinence can prevent discomfort, skin problems and possible infection.  Your Hospice nurse and nurse’s aide can help you determine what may be the most helpful.  Suggestions may include:

• Use diapers, pads, shields and/or protective bed pads to catch the urine.
• Change soiled diapers, pads, or linens immediately to prevent skin breakdown.
• Clean the perineal area with soap and water after each incontinent episode. Dry well.  A barrier cream may be helpful to prevent skin irritations.  Your Hospice nurse can recommend creams to help prevent skin problems.
• Check the patient for wetness every 2 hours
• Ask the patient if they need to use the urinal, bedside commode, or bedpan frequently. Place these items close to the patient.
• Move the patient closer to the bathroom if able
• Offer assistance in taking the patient to the toilet.
• Take diuretics, if ordered, early in the day.
• Offer reassurance and understanding of the problem.
• Call your Hospice nurse if you notice:
• difficulty urinating
• burning, pressure, or pain when urinating
• urinating small, frequent amounts
• blood in urine or cloudy urine
• Talk to your Hospice nurse about other treatments that may be helpful, such as medication or catheter insertion.

If you have any questions or concerns about urinary incontinence or skin care, please call your Suburban Hospice, Inc. team at any time at 833-888-7222.  Your Hospice team wants to be responsive to your needs and concerns.