Is Incontinence a Reason for a Nursing Home Admission?

Bladder problems do contribute to nursing home admissions

Are you worried that your bladder struggles may be severe enough for your loved ones to consider a long-term care facility? While urinary incontinence on its own is rarely enough to require nursing care, it does increase the probability of admission to a nursing home. (1)

This article explores why incontinence increases the need for care and what you can do to minimize the effects.

Nursing Home Admissions and the Activities of Daily Life

Nursing home admission is due to a combination of medical conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease or stroke, and the inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include: (2)

Urinary and bowel continence
Dressing
Moving around independently
Eating and drinking
Hygiene
Ability to get to the bathroom and use it independently

When you can’t complete one or more ADLs, you may require help from family, friends, nurses, or other caretakers. Eventually, an inability to perform multiple ADLs makes a nursing home the logical next step to keep you safe and improve your quality of life.

Urinary Incontinence Sometimes Requires Skilled Care

Urinary incontinence is when you can’t control your bladder, which can cause embarrassment, discomfort, hygiene difficulties, and infections. At first, you might be able to handle your incontinence symptoms yourself using things like adult diapers and bed pads. But over time, concurrent challenges with mobility or memory can mean that you need daily help.

While family and friends often shoulder this burden, there may come a time when you need more help than your loved ones can give. At this time, you might consider a nursing home or other assisted living facility.

Can I Do Anything About My Bladder Control Problems?

Many people assume that incontinence is inevitable, but there are steps you can take to improve your bladder health. Depending on your bladder troubles and the specific causes, you might be able to slow, reverse, or even fix your incontinence problems. Here’s how.

Exercise Your Bladder Muscles

The first natural method that’s worth trying is pelvic floor exercises. These exercises, also called Kegels, strengthen the muscles found in your pelvic floor—the same muscles that you use when you stop peeing mid-stream. By improving muscle tone and strength, you may find that you don’t need to go as often and can stop yourself from leaking or accidentally emptying your bladder.

Support Your Bladder Health with Supplements

You probably already take supplements, whether for arthritis, memory, or general health. But did you know that there are all-natural compounds that support your bladder, too? The right combination of herbs may help regulate hormones that influence your urge to go while supporting other aspects of bladder health, like muscle tone.

BetterMAN and BetterWOMAN are two all-natural herbal bladder supplements shown in clinical studies to enhance bladder control. Subjects experienced benefits including reduced nighttime urination, fewer leaks, and less of an urge to go.

Final Thoughts

For some folks, bladder control problems contribute to the decision to move to a nursing home. To prolong your independence and comfort, it’s important to work on your bladder health. With the right exercises and supplements, you might be able to comfortably and safely stay in your home longer.