Incontinence is tricky for anyone, but for wheelchair users, it's a bit like playing a game where the rules aren't in your favour. Imagine needing to rush to the bathroom but the path isn't clear, or the bathroom door isn't wide enough for your chair. Then, there's the issue of changing pads or catheters in a space that wasn't designed with you in mind – it's a recipe for unwanted accidents.
This often means having to make hard choices: staying home to avoid the hassle, not drinking much when out to dodge bathroom trips, or using pads that just don't feel right. How can we make life a bit easier for wheelchair users dealing with incontinence, so they don't have to miss out on living their life?
Types of Incontinence
Incontinence isn't a one-size-fits-all issue. It varies, affecting wheelchair users in different ways. Let's break it down:
Stress Incontinence You laugh, cough, or maybe lift something heavy, and pressure on your bladder causes a little leak. For someone in a wheelchair, these everyday actions can feel like a tightrope walk.
Urge Incontinence Imagine getting the sudden "I gotta go" feeling, but before you can even think about heading to the bathroom, you're already dealing with leakage. It's abrupt and can be quite distressing, especially when you're trying to find an accessible restroom in time.
Overflow Incontinence Your bladder will feel like an overfilled balloon that leaks because it can't empty fully. It means frequent, small leaks, creating a constant worry about whether your incontinence product can keep up throughout the day.
Functional Incontinence This type of incontinence is all about the hurdles – maybe the bathroom's too far away, or it's not wheelchair-friendly, making it a race against time you can't win. It's not about your bladder's signals, but the obstacles in your way that are the problem.
Understanding these types can help wheelchair users and their caregivers tailor their management strategies more effectively, making life a bit more predictable and a lot less stressful.
Tips for Managing Incontinence
For Wheelchair Users:
Create a Bathroom Schedule: Implementing a consistent routine for bathroom visits can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. This approach helps in anticipating and managing the need for bathroom breaks more effectively.
Fluid Management: While staying hydrated is crucial, managing the timing and amount of fluid intake can help control incontinence episodes. Drinking more fluids earlier in the day and less in the evening can prevent nighttime accidents.
Adjust Your Diet: Monitor how different foods and beverages affect your bladder. Foods high in fibre can help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate incontinence. Limit irritants like caffeine and acidic foods to minimise their impact.
Stay Prepared: Always have a plan for accessible bathrooms when going out. Carrying spare clothing and incontinence supplies in a discreet bag ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Use Protective Gear Wisely: Select incontinence products that offer the best fit and protection level for your lifestyle. Products like waterproof covers for your wheelchair cushion can also protect your equipment.
For Carers:
Skin Care is Key: Regularly clean the user’s skin with gentle, non-irritating products. Dry thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Applying a barrier cream can protect the skin from irritants.
Opt for High-Quality Incontinence Products: Invest in absorbent pads or protective underwear that effectively manage leaks while being comfortable for the wearer. Regularly check and change these products to maintain skin hygiene.
Wheelchair Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect the wheelchair, especially after incontinence episodes. Focus on areas that come into direct contact with the user, such as the seat and backrest, to prevent odour and bacterial growth.
Educate Yourself: Understanding the specific type of incontinence your care recipient is dealing with can help you provide better support. This knowledge can guide you in choosing the right products and strategies.
Encourage Independence: Support the wheelchair user in maintaining as much independence as possible. This includes facilitating their ability to manage incontinence through accessible clothing, easy-to-use hygiene products, and privacy during care routines.
By adopting these strategies, both wheelchair users and their carers can manage incontinence more effectively, leading to improved comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
How Pure Wheelchairs Can Help
At Pure Wheelchairs, we're all too familiar with the extra challenges that incontinence can bring to keeping a wheelchair clean. That's why our cleaning services are designed to do more than just surface cleaning — we target those hard-to-reach spots that are tough to remove at home, ensuring your wheelchair isn't just clean to the eye but hygienic too. We aim to support wheelchair users and their caregivers by providing a thorough cleaning that upholds the highest standards of hygiene and comfort.
Incontinence doesn't have to limit the independence or quality of life of wheelchair users. With the right strategies and support, managing this condition can become a manageable part of daily life. And for those looking for professional assistance in maintaining wheelchair cleanliness and hygiene, Pure Wheelchairs is here to help.
To schedule a deep clean, book here or give us a call at 0410 614 183. Together, we can ensure that incontinence is a manageable part of life, not a barrier to living it.