
Caring for a loved one with incontinence often brings unexpected feelings of embarrassment, worry, and even helplessness. These emotions are completely normal and valid.
Yet many caregivers keep these feelings to themselves, unsure where to find advice from people that truly understand their experience. You might wonder, “Am I doing enough?” or “Is there a better way?”
With over 40 years of experience in continence care, we understand these challenges deeply at Ontex Healthcare.
This guide will walk you through the basics of continence care, offering practical tips and support to help you and your loved one feel more confident and comfortable.
First, let’s clarify what incontinence means and how knowing the different types can improve your care.
Understanding Different Types of Incontinence for Better Care
Good incontinence management starts with knowing what type of incontinence you’re dealing with. Each type has unique causes, and recognising these can help you provide better, more personalised care.
- Urge Incontinence: Your loved one may feel a sudden, strong urge to urinate and might not make it to the toilet in time. This is often linked to an overactive bladder and can be tricky during outings or at night.
- Stress Incontinence: If you notice leaks during activities like coughing, laughing, or getting up, it could be stress incontinence. It’s usually caused by weak pelvic muscles (often a result of childbirth or surgery).
- Overflow Incontinence: Small, frequent leaks or constant dribbling may mean the bladder isn’t emptying fully. This type is common in people with an enlarged prostate or nerve damage.
- Functional Incontinence: Sometimes the issue isn’t the bladder itself. If your loved one has trouble moving quickly or remembering where the bathroom is, conditions like arthritis or dementia may be the reason for accidents.
Knowing these differences helps you care for your loved one with dignity and feel more confident in tough moments.
Once you understand what’s happening, the next step is building a care routine that’s practical, respectful, and reduces the chance of future incidents.
Practical Carer Tips for Incontinence Management
Managing incontinence requires patience, careful planning, and compassion. When you’re prepared, you’ll likely find routines run smoother and stress levels drop significantly. Try integrating these practical strategies into your daily care:
- Create a daily routine: Regular bathroom visits every 2 to 3 hours can prevent accidents. In nursing homes, this helped 33-60% of residents stay dry or have just one episode a day.
- Pick the right products: Go for high-absorbency pads, waterproof bed covers, or adult pull-ups from trusted names like Ontex. We offer extra protection and peace of mind for both of you.
- Monitor skin health: After each change, gently clean and pat the skin dry. Using a barrier cream helps protect against irritation (particularly for delicate areas).
- Always be prepared: A small care bag with spare clothes, wipes, and other essentials can make things much easier when you’re out and about. It keeps things simple if there’s an unexpected leak.
- Stay calm and reassured: Accidents can be upsetting for everyone. Your calm tone and reassuring attitude can help your loved one feel safe, respected, and cared for.
These simple care tips go a long way in managing incontinence. But even the best routine isn’t complete without good hygiene. Let’s take a closer look at how proper hygiene in aged care can really help.
Practical Hygiene Solutions for Aged Care and Incontinence
For people living with incontinence, good hygiene can reduce discomfort, prevent health problems, and bring back a feeling of control. These easy steps help keep comfort and dignity every day:
- Prepare a calm care space: A quiet, private area makes hygiene feel more respectful and less clinical. Good lighting and warmth can help both of you feel more at ease.
- Use gentle cleansers: Pick pH-balanced, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation. These are especially kind to delicate or aging skin.
- Dry Carefully and Completely: Make sure to always pat the skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. Even small damp spots can cause discomfort or sores quickly.
- Apply a barrier cream: These creams create a protective layer against moisture. Using them regularly helps reduce redness and chafing.
- Schedule routine hygiene times: Follow a regular schedule that fits your loved one’s needs. This helps avoid surprises and builds comfort.
Keeping the right supplies close by helps make care simpler and smoother. Products that work well cut down on problems like leaks and skin irritation. That’s why many carers trust Ontex for reliable support every day.
Why Choosing Quality Continence Products Like Ontex Matters
It’s true that not all continence products work the same. The quality matters if you want to avoid frustrating leaks, unwanted odours, and skin irritation, creating stress that no carer needs.
Choosing the right brand can help you avoid these common issues before they even start.The Ontex range offers:
- Breathable pull-ups that support movement and comfort
- Discreet pads designed for everyday confidence
- Smart, absorbent materials that protect skin and reduce moisture
Some of our older users have told us they’ve started doing Tai Chi again since using our products. Feeling secure has helped them get moving and stay active.
And while products matter, so does recognising the strength it takes to care every day. We’ll close with a few words for the carers.
Conclusion: The Power and Importance of Being a Carer
Being a carer takes a lot of heart, patience, and strength. Every little thing you do, from keeping routines to offering kind words, helps your loved one feel comfortable and respected.
Continence care is an act of kindness as much as it’s about hygiene. But, remember to take care of yourself too. Rest when you can, ask for help if you need it, and know that we at Ontex Healthcare are here for you. We offer trusted products and helpful support to make your daily care easier.
Ready to find out more about how Ontex Healthcare can support you? Visit our website today.