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Newtoit Asked September 2022

Toileting during the night. Help?

So, I am new and am not positive this is where I should be putting this, but here it goes. The man I am caring for wakes up in the middle of the night and often needs to use the restroom at least once. Which wouldn't be a problem if he could make it down and across the hall in time. His nightly wakings often end up in accidents that he is embarrassed about. I am not sure how best to help him other than reassure and make sure it all gets cleaned up. He is lacking on sleep because these affairs often last at least an hour. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is there a better way to deal with it or a different approach I/he/we can use? I've tried limiting water intake before bed, but it isn't really helping.

jaypy22 Sep 2022
My husband had urinary incontinence, and refused to keep any clothes on at night. During one stage, I placed a big tall lined wastebasket by his bed, and all he had to do was sit on the side of the bed and urinate into it. Of course, he sometimes dribbled down the side of the bed, so a washable mat under the can and plastic covers for mattress and springs, and a towel tucked into side of the bed helped with accidents. This saved him having to get up and try to get to the bathroom or even a portable potty and risking a fall.
No easy answers; just do the best you can and pray a lot.

funkygrandma59 Sep 2022
Yes like Fawnby said below, put a bedside commode next to his bed so he doesn't have to walk so far. You can also buy a plastic urinal that he can just reach for and use, or you can even hold it for him like I had to for my husband since he only had use of one hand/arm.
And I might add, be grateful that he only gets up once a night, as my husband was getting up every hour on the hour 24/7. Now that was a nightmare for sure, as he was a fall risk which meant that I had to get up with him as well.
You may also have to have him wear Depends, so just he case he doesn't make it it will go into the Depends. And never call them diapers in front of him. Let him keep his dignity by calling them his underwear.
Best wishes.

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Fawnby Sep 2022
A bedside commode.

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