Dealing with Incontinence in Everyday Life

Incontinence is a condition found in the old and the young. The lack of bladder control and function can be as embarrassing in youth as it is in advancing age. For those experiencing incontinence and those with a loved one living with it, understanding the proper way to handle this common condition and making life easier for those suffering with incontinence is imperative. 

Discuss Incontinence 

Incontinence is a sore subject both for the senior citizen or young adult suffering from the condition and their loved ones. Often incontinence sufferers feel ashamed and embarrassed by what is a simply a body malfunction. They feel ostracized for their condition and a lack of communication enhances these feelings. 

Rather than ignoring incontinence, have an honest, open, and judgement-free discussion with those closest to you. Incontinence isn't a reflection on the sufferer or the result of a lack of control. It's a medical condition that should be treated delicately and with respect. Only the sufferer knows the best course of action for preventing incontinence or minimizing the social effects so discuss incontinence to decide what help you can offer. 

Choose Incontinence Pads for Comfort

Technology has come a long way since the adult diapers of yesteryear. Independent senior citizens used to balk at the unsightly and bulky incontinence underwear because it was noticeable and embarrassing. Today, incontinence underwear are available in all cuts and sizes with completely discrete padding for unexpected leakage.  Boxer shorts and panties are available to adults with incontinence that look identical to the fashions available in any department store. 

You or your loved one with incontinence shouldn't feel self-conscious in public. Incontinence underwear with reusable pads allow active adults to take part in their day to day life without feeling like they're modeling a bulky diaper to the world. Medical supplies for the elderly, such as incontinence pads and underwear, are a helpful piece of resource when facing incontinence. 

Be Prepared

Incontinence comes in all varieties. Many elderly adults simply cannot "hold it" anymore. Waiting five miles for the next exit or making it to the other end of the shopping center can be frustrating and ultimately lead to accidents. Preparation is a key ingredient of gracefully handling incontinence in the young and elderly. 

Before going to new places, make sure to include frequent bathroom breaks en route. At stadiums, museums, or other attractions, find a map that includes all the available bathroom facilities. Even with the best planning, unexpected need for the bathroom may arise. Portable travel urinals are medical supplies for the elderly that provide a great way to avoid accidents caused by incontinence. They are small enough to find in a purse and can be easily stored and discarded. 

Incontinence is a common condition and medical supplies for the elderly are recognizing the need to address incontinence with discrete but vital equipment. Handling the day-to-day challenges facing those with incontinence requires open communication, preparation, and adequate yet discrete accessories. 

Why do my hands shake (and what can I do about it)?

As we age many things change in our bodies, some signs are more obvious than others.  If you have noticed hand shakiness in your own hands or of those you love there could be a variety of causes.  Answering the question "why do my hands shake?" can be complicated as there are many reasons as to why this may occur, some of which are more serious than others.

Why do my hands shake?

There are no simple or straight answers to why your hands may be shaking but here are some examples of what may cause hands to shake.  We will start with the two major conditions that may cause hand shaking, but there are many reasons why this may be occurring.

Parkinson's Disease - This brain disorder can effect many areas of movement and coordination.  The reasons your hands may shake with Parkinson's is due the the nerve cells that control movement deteriorating. As deterioration of the nerve cells happen, your muscles will receive less signals, causing shaking in the muscles including the hands.

Essential Tremor - More manageable than Parkinson's Essential Tremor is more likely to only occur while you are trying to achieve voluntary movement.  This could be while writing or drinking a cup of tea.  Essential Tremor hand shakes may stop when you are at rest and pick back up when you start movement of the hands again.  You are likely to find essential tremor is a stand alone problem and should not have any other health issues that develop alongside the hands shaking.

Hand shaking or involuntary hand tremors may also happen due to:

• physical abuse
• alcohol abuse
• depression
• bi-polar disorder
• withdrawing from drug or alcohol
• other nerve related issues
• bad circulation
• too much caffeine
• low blood sugar
• stress or emotional outbursts

So what can you do about your hands shaking?

The first thing you will want to do is see your Doctor.  Your physician can give you a diagnosis or reason for your hands shaking so you can then work on finding the best treatment for your condition.

Here are a few additional things you may want to try. Start by adding in or changing one thing at a time so you will know what has negative or positive effects on your hands shaking.

• Eliminate or lower the amount of caffeine you are drinking or eat a full meal when you consume caffeinated drinks.
• Cut alcoholic beverages down, 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day can almost double your chances of developing Essential Tremor.
• If your hand shaking does not happen all day long but you notice the shaking more when you are hungry, it could be due to low blood sugar. Eating regular balanced meals throughout the day may help keep your blood sugar levels balanced.
• If you are feeling stressed or emotional, do something that calms you. Whether it is taking a walk, having a nap, or drinking some herbal tea. Reducing stress can reduce hand shaking.
• Consider taking a magnesium and Vitamin B1 supplement.  These vitamins and minerals can help with many things including insomnia, cramping, and shaking hands.
• Try some of these foods and herbs as they are known to help with the nervous system that is effected with Parkinson's Disease: Berries, Curry Spice, Green Tea, Salmon, Nuts

Remember when trying to find an answer to the question, "why do my hands shake?" it is best to talk to your Doctor or Medical Practitioner first to rule out any major concerns.

(Elderstore note: we have a number of weighted utensils available in the store to make eating easier if you have shaky hands)

Gift ideas for elders in a nursing home

If you need a gift for a family member or friend moving into, or already living in a nursing home, there are many ideas for you to consider. It is important to think about the individual person when choosing these gifts, and how your gift may be able to assist their transition, improve their quality of life, and help keep your loved one smiling throughout their later years. It is important to keep the individual person in mind and cater to their likes, dislikes, and possibly needs when choosing gifts for the elderly. 

Preservation of the mind is one of the most important things when aging, and especially when moving into a nursing home. There are many gift ideas that can keep the mind sharp, and even improve cognitive function for the elderly. Consider electronics such as e-readers and tablets as they can serve a variety of functions. Touch screen features can improve hand-eye coordination while allowing older people to read, better connect with friends and family, as well as play familiar games such as chess, checkers, and solitaire, as well as learn to play interactively with others. 

In addition, scientific studies have proven that exercise overwhelming helps preserve the memory of the elderly. There are many gifts that can cater to this, and make it much easier for older people to actually engage in exercise.  Consider exercise equipment like a mini bike pedal exerciser or something such as a three-wheeled bicycle --they can not only promote fitness, but also motor skills, in a very safe and effective manner. These products are excellent for physical as well as mental and emotional well-being, and make excellent gifts for the elderly.

For many elderly in nursing homes, maintaining a sense of independence is very important. Unfortunately sometimes physical or medical limitations make this somewhat difficult. Consider a gift that allows for this to a much larger degree. A good example would be carts that are made for laundry or groceries. In addition to allowing for the independence desired, this can also help elderly people in nursing homes remain more active--these carts also promote activity and provide stability while walking.

Other items to consider as gifts for the elderly moving into nursing homes should be items to make them feel comfortable in their new setting. These items can be as simple as home items, or even decorations. Keeping the individual person in mind, you can customize their new home to truly make it feel like their old one. Practical items such as skid-free plates or cups can also be very useful and practical gifts to improve your loved ones quality of life. 

When it comes to choosing a gift for the elderly, you should consider practicality, taste of the individual person, as well as how your gift can improve their mental and physical well-being so loved ones can maintain a good quality of life throughout the years.  

Independent living aids make great gifts for grandparents

Perhaps the most precious gift you can give a grandparent is the simple gesture of spending time with them. There is nothing more wonderful then spending a few hours listening to fascinating stories while drinking tea, baking cookies or watching a movie with a loved one.  As lovely as this sounds, this can not always be possible. So if you are waiting for the holidays to come around to share beautiful moments like these, why not consider one of these independent living aids to send as a gift to let them know you are thinking of them.

Here are just a few favorite independent living aids that will make life so much sweeter for your loved ones.

• For the exercise enthusiast or nature lover, an adult three wheel bicycle is the perfect solution whether you are enjoying the weather or racing your grandkids. They are safe, sturdy and secure. They even have a cargo basket so you can pack a picnic or get the mail with ease. 
• Non slip bean bag dinner trays are lightweight form fitting making them essential for folks who want to enjoy a movie with their dinner, finish a crossword or two, write letters and maybe even have breakfast in bed.
• Fishing is a relaxing hobby, but some times it can be exhausting to have to hold the fishing pole for a long time and some times it may not be possible. Fishing pole holders can be attached to wheelchairs, benches, and lawn chairs. When fishing with a fishing pole holder, all you have to do is reel in the bounty!
• Playing card holders make playing cards even more fun by taking away the hassle of having cards fall off the table. They make it easier for individuals with grasping issues to enjoy their favorite game.
• Weighted insulated mugs are great independent living aids for individuals living with Parkinson's or other disorders that may cause tremors. The mug weighs 10 ounces empty and holds 12 fluid ounces.
• Treat your loved one to some much needed pampering with a nail plus set which is ideal for diabetics and can be used with either natural or acrylic nails.
• Soft Fit Knit home care sheets will make your bed feel like paradise. They are designed to be soft and non-abrasive even to the most sensitive skin.
• Tenura Silicone Jar openers and Tenura Silicone Bottle openers are your knight in shining armor even against the toughest of lids. The flexible dome shape allows for more leverage while angled ridges allow for a non-slip grip ensuring victory.
• A bowl with a handle is a useful everyday product for someone who is less sure of their grip.  

Arthritis Aids for Your Parents

You know your parents. The last thing your mother or father will do is give into arthritis symptoms or depend on someone to complete daily tasks. So to stop the looks or lectures from your parents every time you mention helping them, invest in independent living aids.  Here are a few suggestions.  

Independent living aids are ideal for anyone living with arthritis.  Look into devices specifically made to assist your parents with everyday tasks like writing. For instance, the Ergowriter is especially made to ease the pain of writing associated with arthritis symptoms. It comfortably fits in the right or left hand. It allows your parent to correctly position his or her thumb to reduce the stress on the wrist. The ErgoWriter is made with non-bendable, hard plastic and can be used with standard pencils or pens. There are more writing independent living aids like the Type Aid and Arthwriter Hand Aid.

If your parents aren’t into clapping to turn on and off the lights, the lamp switch enlarger may be a great option. The enlarger, designed with the help of occupational therapists, easily fits over majority of lamp switch knobs. Since the device is larger than the tiny switch knob, your mom or dad won’t have to become frustrated when turning on and off lights.

If your parent has trouble holding a telephone, invest in a Hands Free Remote Controlled Speakerphone. The phone allows him or her to call and talk on the phone without holding a receiver. It even has a built-in microphone. Other around the house independently living aids include bendable, twist touch and easy grip slide utensils. There are also items like multi-grip bottle openers.

Sometimes you may notice your father struggling to get out of his favorite recliner. Maybe he has mentioned how he misses sitting in his favorite chair. Regardless of how you found out, there is a perfect solution for the problem: the Little Boost Platform Chair Riser. The safe and sturdy chair riser requires no assembly. In fact, there are no moving parts. It has a security lip that goes around the four top edges to prevent the device slipping off the platform. On each corner of the platform there is an 8 inch flat rubber paid that prevents to chair from sliding or moving. The chair riser elevates the chair three inches. So your dad—or mom—will be able to stand up or sit down without struggling.

In addition to the chair riser, there are other independent living aids to help your parents stand or sit without struggling. For instance, there is an Uplift Seat Assist. It is a portable, lightweight lifting cushion that can be used in a chair or sofa. Also, there is an uplift seat assist that has two power levels to help parents with mobility issues.

Arthritis has many symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. The symptoms generally worsen as your parents grow older. However, you know your parents. They aren’t willing to give up their independence just because they have arthritis. In fact, they are determined to control their condition and do a lot of the things they love. Yes, even completing many everyday tasks can become a victory when someone has arthritis. That’s why independent living aids are so important. These aids help those with arthritis stay active. They also help you worry less about how your parents are doing.  

Caffeine Consumption May Contribute to Male Urinary Leaking

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

 

By Andrew M. Seaman
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The amount of caffeine that's typically found in two cups of coffee may contribute to a man's incontinence, according to a new study.
"It's something to consider... People who are having problems with urinary incontinence should modify their caffeine intake and I think that's part of clinical practice," said Dr. Alayne Markland, the study's senior author, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Though the report doesn't prove that caffeine causes bladder leakage, the men in the study who consumed the most caffeine were more likely to have the problem than those who took in the least.
Plenty of research has linked caffeine to incontinence among women (see Reuters Health story of April 8, 2011 here: http://reut.rs/10wS4cz). But little is known about whether there is a similar connection for men.

National Family Caregiver's Month

November is National Family Caregiver's Month!   There is a lot of information out there for Caregivers; check out the following:

Parkinson's Foundation Caregiver's Month

National Family Caregiver's Association

Nationa Alliance for Caregiving

Family Caregiver Alliance

American Society on Aging

Signs of Heart Attack in Women

Signs of heart attacks in women may be very different from the signs men experience.

 

Every 90 seconds, a woman in the United States has a heart attack, according to the womenshealth.gov website. Sadly, many women don't recognize these typical symptoms:

• Having chest pain or discomfort.
• Feeling a strange sense of upper-body discomfort.
• Feeling short of breath.
• Suddenly breaking out in a cold sweat.
• Having an unusual sense of fatigue.
• Feeling light-headed or sudden dizziness.
• Feeling nauseated.

HealthDay

By Diana Kohnle Monday, October 22, 2012

Senior Humor

Parkinson's Disease Foundation Receives Highest Charity Rating

For the fifth consecutive year, PDF has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, meaning it "exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause." The ranking reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of PDF's financial health, and our accountability and transparency.

This news also makes PDF the only Parkinson's organization to have been awarded both a four-star rating and the Charity Seal of Approval from the Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau.

Parkinson's Disease Foundation