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• Provide a portable urinal or commode (which can be purchased from a medical supply company or through a pharmacy) by the bed, especially at night.
• Sit the person within walking distance of the toilet during the day (for wheelchair-bound).
• Establish a toilet visit pattern e.g. every two to three hours, or at regular intervals.
• Make sure that the person¡¯s clothing is easy to remove, e.g. use elastic bands or velcro-bands instead of buttons.
• Keep the skin clean and dry to reduce skin rashes and odour.
• Encourage drinking of water in the day but limit the amount in the evening.

The types of absorbent products and aids for the incontinent are varied and depend on individual needs.

Urinal can be slipped between an elderly ¡s thighs and is very useful at night for bedridden elderly.

male urinal	female urinal	feminal

Stretched & fitted incontinence pants The fitted pants are made of a soft material with a wate rproof pouch on the outside. The urine passes straight through the pants and is absorbed by a pad, which is placed in the pouch. The pad should be placed well in front for the male and nearer the back for women. Change the pad when necessary, and the pants daily The pants are reusable after washing. It is not suitable for night wear.
	stretched
	fitted

Adult Diapers

This is used for the heavily incontinent elderly who is bedridden.

Types of adult diapers available:

• ¡°Drip¡± bags for the occasional incontinent. Holds 50-100 cc. Designed for use by males only.
• Smaller volume for use by day or going out. Less bulky. Holds 300-500 cc of liquid. Suitable for males and females.
• Larger volume for use at night because of longer hours. Can hold up to 1 litre of liquid. Suitable for males & females.

When using pads, look out for the following:

• Skin infections, especially if he is diabetic
• Skin excoriations (loss of skin) due to dampness
• Redness or abrasions due to friction at elastic bands

Catheterization involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter through the urethra and into the bladder to drain out urine. Some bedridden patients may need a urinary catheter to be inserted several times a day to release urine. It is a procedure that you can easily learn.

Before and After Catheterization

• Wash and rinse the catheter with soap and water
• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Dry catheter with a paper towel
• Store in a clean plastic bag

To reduce infection:

• Drink cranberry juice, prune juice or any juice that can make the urine acidic
• Wash hands properly before insertion of tube
• Wash and store catheter properly
• Change the catheter weekly or when it is no longer clean looking

• Personal Hygiene & Nutrition
  
• Incontinence
  
• Wound Care
  
• Exercise & Mobility
  
• The Psychosocial Aspect of Caregiving
  
• Medical Care
  
• Safe Use of Medicine
  
• Dying