Incontinence and UTIs. Suggestions?

Besides cranberry tablets my Mom was placed on a probiotic.

The last UTI my Mom had she went to the hospital. They catherized her and got all the urine. Then she was put on IV antibiotics for 2 days. The cranberry tablets and probiotic was introduced at that time. Alva, an RN, recommends  D-Mannose to prevent them. It may even clear it up. Make sure a culture is always done to determine what antibiotic is needed. They can get resistant to antibiotics if used too much. This last UTI was in Oct, Mom passed the next Sep. In that time, she never had another UTI.

As we women age, especially if we have had children, our bladders drop. This causes the bladder not to fully empty. This is one way the infection starts. Moms doctor wanted to use a "sling" on her saying it would help with the UTIs but at 80 she refused. So, if possible, take ur wife to the toilet every 2 hrs. Have her sit, even if she had a good stream and seems done, a little longer sometimes you get the urge again. Leaning forward helps to empty the bladder. Water is important in flushing out the kidneys but I would stop any liquids a couple of hours before bed. I would make sure she voids completely before bed.

If you toilet her, you need to make sure she is clean. I used Huggie Wipes to clean Mom up well. They are big and thick. If you bathe her, do not use soap near her urethra. No powders. I used to use a hand held shower head to clean that area. Not once in the 22 months I cared, in my home, for Mom did she have a UTI. Of course, she was able to use the toilet.

Absolutely, yes.

Work with her Dr to get the infection under control and then try giving her cranberry tablets daily to help make the urine less susceptible to infection. A pharmacist can help you with what's best for prevention.

She should not be left in wet underthings for too long. If she's going all night in sopping wet underwear.

Yep, she might get mad, but that could definitely be a part of the dementia. You kind of have to roll with that.

For people who have interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, cranberry and lemon juice would be painful. In this condition , lesions form in the surface inside the bladder. Coffee, tea, soda, alcohol and acids like citrus and tomato irritate the lesions and cause pain. It is under diagnosed and sometimes thought to be a bladder infection. So you need to be sure it is a bacterial infection, not some other condition such as IC. Because if it is IC, you can’t be treating it as if it’s a bladder infection; it won’t go away.

In my experience with mom 86 the new normal has become about four or five pullup changes a day to keep dry, frequent baking soda sitz baths to keep area clean, and reminder to wipe front to back to keep from accidentally spreading germs from fecal matter. Keeping hydrated is critical. A little lemon juice in water works for mom. Definitely get doctor opinion on treatment of the existing UTI and dietary recommendations. As for the anger, I've found that it is part of coming to terms with incontinence, as it doesn't go away nor get better. It is frustrating and sad for both mom and me. That said, we still must do the daily/hourly things to keep her healthy for the rest of her life.

Omg I thought my household was the only one dealing with. My mom did so well for so long and in the last 7 months she has been hospitalized at least 5 times with UTI and ugh!!! We give her azo pro and prebiotics and she takes something that’s supposed to help as a preventative I think it’s called methenamine . Waiting to see her urologist to reevaluate her dosage. We also give her cranberry juice and yogurt. Hope some of these help you

Dehydration is usually a culprit for UTI's. So I push the hydration with my mother by handing her a water bottle regularly. I no longer withhold water from her at night and encourage her to drink as much as possible.

My mother also takes D-Mannose with Cranberry - a readily available supplement for bladder health.

I change my mother's Depends regularly and don't give her any choice in the matter. If it's for her health and safety, her attitude about it is not relevant.

My mom (86) has frequent UTI's and she lives in her wheelchair. Hygiene is poor but she has caregivers along with family to encourage cleaning. She uses adult wipes after toileting. Sitting all day and the incontinence does not help this situation. Getting her to walk with the walker is difficult but she has exercises to do each day.

Push the liquids, use cranberry supplements and probiotics. When we think a UTI is beginning a specimen is sent to the lab for cultures. The correct antibiotic needs to be subscribed.

UTIs are definitely can be caused by soaked diapers and wet pants.

A CNA taught me to put 2 on my parent (one over the other). That way it can be easier to remove one.

Consider having a CNA come for her showering.

Try to make all these clean-ups feel more like a spa time. Hold your breath and try not to wrinkle your nose when the odor wafts your way. Use warmed wash cloths and pleasantly scented products. (Avoid lotions or powders in private areas as those can cause UTIs as well).

This loss of independence is confusing and humiliating.

UTIs can be caused by not drinking enough water.

Cranberry juice (the real kind). Take her to the toilet at least every 2 hours to give her a chance to empty her bladder