Here is a practical guide on home modifications that can make the lived experience more pleasant for your loved ones who are experiencing incontinence. Taking note of these modifications are essential in ensuring the safety, comfort and well-being (both physically and mentally) of your loved ones and be sure to talk to them about it. 

Bedroom modifications

Bedroom modifications are important in reducing discomfort throughout the night and also minimising the disruptions to a good night's sleep. 

Install a bedside commode

For those with limited mobility or worry about leakages in the adult diapers, installing a portable toilet near the bed is a safe way to use the toilet when the need arises. The stress and urgency of getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night is a serious safety concern and a bedside commode could give both seniors and their caregivers a peace of mind as it reduces the risk of accidental leakages or resultant falls from rushing to the toilet. 

Proofing mattresses with waterproof bedding and protectors

Accidents are common for those with incontinence - even with an adult diaper, there could still be instances of leakages. To maintain a clean and comfortable sleeping environment, waterproof bedding is an easy to wash option, ensuring that the bed is protected. 

Bathroom modifications

With incontinence comes frequent bathroom visits, often unpredictable and urgent in nature. This increases the risk of bathroom incidents such as slips and falls. 

Install motion-sensor lighting

For one experiencing incontinence issues, bathroom visits become rather erratic and the need to do so increases significantly. Night time bathroom visits are a top concern for many caregivers who worry that their loved ones might get injured while rushing to the bathroom at night. Placing motion sensor lighting in the toilet and along the pathway leading to the bathroom to ensure that your loved one can safely navigate.

Toilet paper holder with built-in wipe dispenser

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential, even more so for those with incontinence. There are toilet paper holders with an in built wipe dispenser for one to easily access wet wipes that can help in cleaning up after a bathroom visit.

Have a raised toilet seat

Seniors with mobility challenges may experience difficulties sitting up or standing up from the toilet seat. This leads to frustration and fear in the process of using the toilet, let alone using it more frequently now because of incontinence issues. A raised seat can reduce the effort and strain required to use the toilet. 

As one transitions to incontinence care, keeping organised is key. Consider getting an organiser for your adult diaper stock and also cleaning supplies. This will create order and minimise frustration in the process of managing incontinence. 

With these thoughtful home modifications, we can significantly improve the comfort and safety of our loved ones struggling with incontinence issues and help maintain their dignity in the process.