Why Would Mom Choose to Smell Rather Than Use Incontinence Products?

Dear Carol: My mom is only 79 but she has a lot of health problems including lung disease requiring oxygen. She receives good health care through her Medicare policies, and she doesn't need help around the house other than what I can provide by going to see her two or three times a week. Since we live near each other, that's not a problem. The problem is she leaks urine. She doesn't leak constantly, but she does smell most of the time even though she showers. I've told her that she should try some pads, but she refuses, saying that she doesn't need them. Why will she agree to use oxygen but then feel insulted about wearing an incontinence product? – AG Dear AG: How frustrating for you! Does it surprise you to know that this isn't an unusual situation? It’s sad that we tend to equate even intermittent issues of incontinence with being a baby when the reality is that many health changes can lead to various degrees of incontinence for adults. As with so many things regarding our aging parents, you could consider how you are approaching your mom. You might think that you are doing so with compassion and gentleness, but it’s possible that your understandable frustration is showing. If you want to double-check Continue reading on Egosancares for tips abou9t the common problem of adults' resistance to wearing incontinence protection: Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am readi...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs