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Elderly parents

Options for incontinent parent

32 replies

daydreamer45 · 02/02/2024 12:02

Hi, wondering if anyone here has any experience or knowledge of the following. My Mum is currently really struggling. She has Parkinson's and dementia and has started having bladder issues. She says she wants to go to the toilet then can't go, then wants to go 10 minutes later. She also sometimes wets herself and doesn't realise it has happened until she feels that she is wet. We have got her incontinence pants but she is stressed and anxious all the time. She lives in a house with the only bathroom upstairs and can't get there very quickly or unaided, she struggles with stairs and undressing so needs my Dad with her all the time. This is exhausting for them both and completely fills their day. There is no capacity to build a downstairs toilet and no private place for a commode. We are currently waiting for a bladder & bowel referral. Does anyone have any idea what her options may be? I don't think she will be a candidate for physio due to her dementia (struggles with simple exercise and has no concept of pelvic floor muscles) and is already on many medications. We don't really want her living upstairs permanently, it's not really possible as it means my Dad will need to be running up and down all day. Her GP has suggested a care home but surely they can't offer a 1 to 1 service where someone runs around after her all day? What do people do in this situation?

OP posts:
Muchtoomuchtodo · 02/02/2024 13:06

It sounds as if the house is unsuitable and her care needs are getting increasingly significant. Suitable continence pads and more care would be helpful, where that care is provided is a discussions that needs to be had. Does your mum still have mental capacity to decide where she lives and is cared for, and is POA in place for when she doesn’t?

daydreamer45 · 02/02/2024 13:00

Thank you for the prompt responses. We have done several UTI tests and she is always clear. The PD nurse has referred her to bowel & bladder but we are waiting for them to get in touch. I'm not sure either of them will go for a commode in the lounge, she sometimes starts to wee as her pants come down so it would be a difficult clean up job for my elderly Dad - he keeps the mop handy in the tiled bathroom but it's all carpet downstairs. He would also have to carry it upstairs for disposal. Unfortunately she can't get out of the chair and transfer to the toilet alone so Dad would still be needed but it's the stairs which are killing them both. I was at the house yesterday and she wanted to keep going to the toilet every 10 minutes so it's not even a case of reminding her. We have tried taking her every 2 hours but that's still at least 7 trips up and down per day and she doesn't always go then wants to try again in 10 minutes. She doesn't like going in her 'pants' but it seems to be the only logical solution to cut down the trips - I just don't want her to be sore or uncomfortable though. What happens to people who are bed bound? All of this has really made me think about my own plans for old age!!

OP posts:
holycrabsticks · 02/02/2024 12:31

Commode and a curtain?

taokiddy1 · 02/02/2024 12:30

Definitely get her checked for a UTI. Continence teams are usually very good. They may commence some bladder training, help with pads/ incontinence knickers and provide practical advice. Lots of people have commodes in their living rooms, although I understand it may not feel very dignified. It may free your Dad up and allow her more independence. Could she transfer safely from chair to commode on her own?

SM4713 · 02/02/2024 12:16

I'm sorry, this must be very stressful for you all. Has the GP ruled out a UTI? Has she been referred to a continence nurse? They might have further suggestions other than just exercises, or better pads etc. Do you know if she might have a prolapse or something physical that could be repaired or require a pessary ring to help? Maybe a timer and your dad could prompt her to go more often?
Could you not get a pop up changing tent for the corner of the room downstairs, and sit the commode inside that for privacy?

Mumof1andacat · 02/02/2024 12:12

I doubt a catheter would be an option as there is no clinical need of such. Can the gp refer her to the district nurse for a continence assessment or maybe her parkinsons nurse will have some experience of this situation

Bobbybobbins · 02/02/2024 12:09

Has she been checked for a uti as the desire to go but struggling can be a symptom? Sorry you are all going through this.