Urinary incontinence can sometimes respond very well to Behavioral Techniques. Managing behavior is not particularly difficult but it does sometimes require patience and consistency.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Variable
Here's How:
- Baseline (i.e. assess) present toileting events by keeping a diary of toileting habits for 3 days.
Note: Time of any normal bathroom trips
Incidents of incontinence or continence
Whether the person you are caring for asked or told you they wished to void
Keep your diary to refer back to once a new toileting pattern is established. - Now begin your Timed Toilet Trips.
Every 2 to 4 hours (you decide depending on previous patterns of voiding highlighted in the diary), take the person to the toilet or put them on a commode.
Orientate them e.g.“Dad I'm taking you to the toilet”. “We at in the toilet now, try to go”. Be reassuring. Try to maintain dignity by giving some privacy if possible. Do not keep them in the bathroom or on the toilet too long.
Praise any positive results.
Keep to as rigid a timetable as is practicable. - Night toileting should be maintained on a regular time basis too. Consult your diary to decide the time frame. Think about a 4 hourly schedule to allow for a good sleep pattern.
- Remember is important to maintain regular toileting habits even at night. It can help with restlessness, behaviour problems and for general comfort.
