What to do About Urinary Incontinence

• Talk to the physician—sometimes this is a side-effect of medication, or medication can be introduced to control some of the incontinence
• Look into using some of the many supplies available that simplify caring for someone with incontinence
  • protective underwear of all sizes and styles
  • disposable gloves
  • adult wipes (check to see whether they are flushable or not)
  • odor neutralizing sprays
  • waterproof mattress pads
• When using incontinence pads DO NOT call them diapers—call them protective underwear to maintain the dignity of your care recipient
• Put on two pairs of protective underwear at a time; the one closest to the skin can be torn or cut away leaving a clean one without the effort of taking off pants and shoes each time
• Use insertable pads to increase absorption
• Use cloth or disposable pads to protect furniture, car seats, and bedding
• Assure your care recipient that you understand that this is something they cannot control and that you don't mind helping them
• Consider skirts for female care recipients to make changing soiled protective underwear simpler
• Carry an outing bag containing a change of clothes (include shirt, pants, undergarments, and socks)
• If you care for someone of the opposite sex, find places that have family restrooms where you can help your care recipient privately