Advice

What if you have dementia and find you’re starting to experience continence problems?

Problems with continence are more common than most of us realise. They affect many people, including those who are younger or in the early stages of dementia.

Accidents are inconvenient and can disrupt your day. But they could also be distressing and affect how confident and independent you feel.

Continence problems may be embarrassing, frustrating and even isolating. It’s not unusual for them to affect your sense of dignity.

Try not to face this alone. Talking about it might be difficult, but it can help you get the support you need.

There are ways to manage continence problems that could reduce the impact they have on your life.

Find the cause

Speak to your GP. It’s important to check if your continence problems have a cause that can be dealt with. For example, a urinary tract infection (UTI), a bowel condition or the side effect of a medication.

Your GP can refer you to a continence adviser or community nurse for practical advice, and for help with getting useful products.

Managing continence day to day

Some clothing is specially designed to be easy to remove, to help deal with accidents. You could also try discreet pads or absorbent underwear.

Keeping a toilet diary can mean you spot useful patterns. Using reminders and keeping to a routine might also help.

If you’re finding it difficult to get to the bathroom in time at home, could it help to clear clutter and improve lighting?

Before you’re out and about, find out where accessible toilets will be. 

It’s often useful to get a Radar Key, which you can use to access locked National Key Scheme toilets. A Just Can’t Wait card from Bladder & Bowel UK can also help to access more toilets.

Your tips for when you have toilet problems

Mick Lambert says, ‘Continence problems can affect people at all stages of dementia. 

People need to know we can talk about it – it doesn’t take away from who you are as a person.

‘What we’re trying to live with, it’s often about feelings of shame. But it’s not shameful.’

Martin Robertson says, ‘Don’t be shy, medical professionals are very helpful. I’m always open about my conditions, so that’s no problem.

Explain the worst scenario to professionals as resources are tight, but just in broad terms to others.

‘I use pads that are like period pads.’