Don’t suffer in silence – get help!

Incontinence affects more than 3.2 million of the over-60s in the UK but many people still feel embarrassed about this common problem. Carers often struggle to get the person they care for to accept help but it’s important to check with the GP if someone is experiencing any form of incontinence. There may be a cure or a way to manage the problem which will improve quality of life. People are often relieved to find out that help is available so it’s always worth seeking professional advice. Although urinary incontinence is more common in women, many older men have problems due to an enlarged prostate gland. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause incontinence or the urgent need to pass urine.

Making life easier

■ Incontinence can be made worse if you have problems getting around. Special rails may make it easier to get on and off the toilet and a raised seat can help if you have stiff hips.

■ Clothing can get in the way when using the toilet but clothing with elasticated waists can help.

■ The Bowel and Bladder Community offers a Just Can’t Wait toilet card for a giving you priority access to a loo while away from home. ■ There are a variety of pads, pants and other products to make life easier. If you are assessed as eligible for incontinence products, your community nurse or continence service should arrange the supply, free of charge on the NHS, but supplies do vary across the country.

■ Someone with dementia may forget to visit the toilet or they may not recognise the normal triggers that tell us when we need to go. A notice or picture on the toilet door might help. Whatever the incontinence problems you are dealing with, don’t suffer in silence – help is available and this can make life easier for carers too.