Skilled Home Care | January 12, 2023

In-Home Care for Incontinence Patients

What is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. People can have a range of incontinence issues, from leaking urine when they cough or sneeze to having no control of their bladder when the urge to urinate presents itself. Certain medical conditions, medications or surgeries can affect bladder control.

Is incontinence a normal part of aging?

Though more than 50% of seniors will experience some form of incontinence, it is not an inevitable part of aging.

How does incontinence impact a person’s day-to-day life?

Incontinence can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. It can be embarrassing and limit a person’s ability to enjoy social interactions and outings away from home. It also comes with an increased fall risk, as sufferers often rush to the restroom.

Can incontinence be treated?

Yes! More than 80% of incontinence sufferers can be cured or improved. The assistance of a skilled home health team allows patients to be treated where they are most comfortable: home.

How does Elara Caring’s Control is the Goal program help patients with incontinence?

Control is the Goal is a home health program designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that influence bladder and bowel function through a four-step process which is implemented by the Elara Caring therapy team.

Control is the Goal aims to provide patients with:

Improved continence, with decrease or elimination of urine leakage
Increased balance and ambulation skills, reducing the risk of falls
Better rest and sleep with fewer interruptions to use the bathroom
Enhanced quality of life, willingness to socialize and participate in activities without the emotional and physical encumbrances associated with incontinence briefs and supplies

What are patients saying about Elara Caring’s Control is the Goal program?

After decades of incontinence, Control is the Goal patient Polly said, “I think it is working wonderful. It has helped me a lot at night, and even during the day.”

Physical Therapist Assistant Christy said this about her patient, Vickie: “My patient just completed her second week of treatment and is beyond excited with her results. At time of eval, she could not make it to the bathroom in the morning without completely emptying her bladder on the way. Yesterday she reported improved ability to make it to the bathroom without incident in the morning. She was able to make a car trip without an accident. The patient said after cancer and chemo she didn’t think anything would help. She is completely amazed at the quick results!”