As the caregiver of a patient, you take on a huge responsibility. Being able to handle such a responsibility would make your life and the patient’s life easier. We would like to share some tips and solutions you can use for your feelings and thoughts or what you have on our mind in your daily life.
What can you do if the person you take care of is resistant to using adult diapers?
When the person you take care of finds out that they need to use diapers, they may think that they can no longer meet their most basic needs on their own, and may react with frustration, rejection or passive resistance.
Arguments such as ‘the house smells bad’ may reduce the likelihood of the individual with urinary incontinence to cooperate with you. You should pay attention to speak calmly, understandingly and honestly with the individual who has urinary incontinence; you should communicate about how incontinence affects you and them, and how hygiene products can help you both deal with this problem. If the individual with urinary incontinence also has a neurological condition such as Alzheimer’s, then you can learn tips for successful communication with such patients by attending health support groups with the guidance of a doctor.
The language you use and the words you choose can facilitate this communication. For example, if you use the phrase “protective pad” that can be used “just in case” instead of “adult diaper”, your patient may adopt a more positive attitude. Since a “diaper” is known as something used by infants, this particular word can hurt them. Using a language that avoids any harm to the dignity of the individual would make things easier in your approach to the patient.
Are you ashamed of the urinary incontinence the person you take care of has?
As the caregiver of a patient, you may feel embarrassment on your or the patient’s behalf because of urinary incontinence. The responsibility of your close relatives, such as your parents, can be rather heavy. It can be embarrassing to see the private parts of your beloved one of the opposite sex, and it may feel like disrespect even to your beloved one of the same gender as you. Your beloved one may also complain of pity.
Do acknowledge your own feeling of discomfort. Do not forget that you can ask for support from another relative or friend who may help caregiving, or you can get support from a professional in this field. Because, you are not the only one who has to face such challenging situation and you do not have to deal with it all by yourself. You can ask your patient to consider you as a healthcare worker. You can similarly imagine that you are a paramedic. Just as we develop a different sense of privacy towards healthcare professionals, we can approach the person in charge of patient care in the same way. This perspective can make it easier to accept your situation.
As a patient’s caregiver, do you get frustrated from time to time?
The caregiver of a patient with urinary incontinence may not always be good at coping with the situation. Sometimes you may get angry, thinking that a particular incidence of urinary incontinence was actually on purpose to annoy or even punish you. Especially when it happens at inopportune times like getting ready for bed or dinner.
First of all, do not forget to remind yourself frequently that your patient is not causing this situation to complicate your life, it is a situation out of their control. This will help you regain and maintain your patience and resilience. Always try to keep in mind that the situation is just as difficult for them as it is for you. You can ask for help from a relative or friend who may support you and your patient for care, or you can seek professional support. Do not hesitate to ask for the help you need, especially at times when feel like your tolerance is getting weaker. It would be good for you to get some rest rather than grumbling or arguing with the patient.
Do you feel like you have limitations in caregiving?
Caring for a beloved one who has urinary incontinence, mobility difficulties or has to lie down all the time can be physically challenging for you. Trying to move your patient in bed, especially if they are larger than you, may cause mutual physical distress; you or your beloved one may fall while trying to handle their care at sleepy state in the middle of the night. Lack of sleep at night can also affect the concentration you need the next day.
Make sure you ask your physical therapist how you can take care of your beloved one without hurting yourself physically. You can consult a specialist about which position is most convenient to help your patient stand up in case of incidents such as falls so that you put the least load on your body. Apart from this, you should try to do some exercise to stretch your body, and if you have the opportunity, you may strengthen yourself by taking advantage of sports such as yoga and pilates.
How can you go out together?
The idea of going out with your beloved one who has urinary incontinence may sound like a challenge for you. Not knowing where and how incontinence may occur can make the idea of going out together difficult.
When you go out together, do not forget to take your bag with hygiene support products such as adult diapers, disposable gloves, and spare underwear. Always keep a waste bag in which you can put the dirty underwear and clothes. Choosing places with areas suitable for changing clothes may also help reduce your worries in this regard. For example, checking where the restrooms are as soon as you enter a shopping mall can help you stay calm in the event of an urgency.
Reference: Saygın H. Basınç Yaralarında Hemşirelik Yönetimi.
http://ichastaliklaridergisi.org/managete/fu_folder/2008-03/html/2008-15-3-141-144.htm. Accessed: November 2017.