Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the inability to retain urine. There are several types of urinary incontinence and causes. Perhaps it is from an infection, or it may be a state of total incontinence in which an individual experiences continuous, unpredictable loss of urine. Incontinence may be managed at times by simply rearranging the furniture to make it easier to get to the commode quickly.

What to look for:

• Burning, pressure, pain or urgency on urination
• Location of toilet; can it be reached in time?
• Need to urinate small amounts frequently
• A continuous dribble of urine

What to do:

• Empty the bladder every two hours
• Place the urinal, bedside commode or bedpan close by
• Take diuretics early in the day
• Drink less fluid late in the day
• Put an extra sheet, folded in half, over the bottom sheet on the bed
• Place absorbent pads on top of the folded sheet
• Cover commodes and bedpans with a towel to maintain aesthetics
• Maintain dry, clean linen and clothing
• Wash and dry wet areas of skin well; apply a protective salve or a light coat of cornstarch

When to call hospice:

• If the patient is very thirsty and urinating very frequently
• If urine smells sweet, very bad or looks cloudy
• If there is a sense of urgency when urinating
• If there is blood in the urine
• If catheter tubing (if placed) is not kinked but becomes blocked