Impact on daily living
Everyone experiences incontinence differently depending on what type they have, the severity of their symptoms, and if they are also living with another healthcare condition that causes their incontinence. For some people, incontinence will affect their day to day life quite significantly, but there are a number of ways to make daily routines easier when living with incontinence, including incontinence products and incontinence treatments.
Age UK offer an information leaflet with more details on how to live well with incontinence, including practical advice and tips.
Incontinence products
There are lots of incontinence products available to help you manage your condition, make going to the toilet easier and make you feel more comfortable and confident. If you are caring for someone who is living with incontinence, there are a number of products that can help you too.
At NRS Healthcare, we have a team of product advisors and Occupational Therapists available who are able to talk to you about your incontinence (or any other related healthcare conditions) and to help you find the right incontinence aids to meet your specific needs. Our range of products include incontinence management aids, toileting aids and products for carers.
Continence management: these incontinence products will help to protect your underwear, clothing and furniture from any leaks, keeping you dry and comfortable. Some people find that their skin sometimes becomes irritated from wearing pads regularly and having urine or faeces close to the skin, so you may also benefit from using specially formulated skincare. Discover how to fit your incontinence pads correctly and prevent leaks by visiting our blog.
Initially, for urinary incontinence, it is likely you will be advised to undertake:
• Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises)
If these treatments are unsuccessful, there are a number of surgical procedures that may be considered and your healthcare professionals will advise which is likely to be the most effective for you. The various surgical treatments for urinary incontinence can be found on the NHS website.
Procedures for bowel incontinence will likely include the non-intrusive treatments first, such as dietary changes and exercise programmes, moving on to surgical options if these do not have the desired effects. The various treatments for bowel incontinence can be found in more detail on the NHS website.