Category: Articles

How to Hire a Caregiver

If you are hiring a caregiver for yourself or another loved one, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person, “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State when it comes time to pay taxes.” After all, taking on the responsibilities of withholding taxes (and then paying the taxing authorities), buying Worker’s Compensation insurance, paying Social Security and Medicare tax, and all the rest, may seem daunting if you have never done it before. Be aware, however, that the IRS and the State will probably take the position that the caregiver is an employee, that you are an employer, and that all of the legal obligations that attach to those labels apply to your situation.

IRS Publication 926 gives very helpful guidance to those hiring household employees, including caregivers. You would do well to go through that publication and consider all of the questions it poses, several of which might never occur to you. For example, can your prospective caregiver legally work in the U.S.? How do you verify that, and what records must you keep to prove that you satisfied your obligation to verify the caregiver’s status? On that subject, you can find all of the information and forms you will need at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, www.uscis.gov.

Depending on your budget and the number of caregivers you need, it may make sense to look into local employment or caregiver agencies. This simplifies your job. You can contract with the agency, and the agency will be the caregiver’s employer and will deal with all of the details of being an employer. You will pay a premium for this kind of service, but the agency’s experience and employment expertise may make the extra cost seem like a bargain.

Another set of issues arises if you opt to be the employer of a caregiver, and then your employee is injured on the job. If you have made sure to carry the right kinds of insurance, you will be fine. However, the consequences of failing to do so can be financially disastrous. An agency will probably carry Worker’s Compensation insurance, but you should be sure to talk with your personal insurance professional to find out if there is anything else you should do to protect yourself through your homeowner’s and umbrella policies.

The bottom line is that you should not hire a caregiver without addressing your legal responsibilities and potential liabilities. Ask your trusted advisors — your CPA, your lawyer and your insurance professional — for guidance, and check out the resources cited above. You will be glad you did.

If you are hiring a caregiver for yourself or another loved one, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person, “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State…
Blending the East And West for Optimal Health

Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to the human body. The core of Eastern Medicine is Qi, or “vital energy,” and can be thought of as another word for “function,” for example Lung qi is the lungs’ function of gas exchange.

It is believed that there are channels of Qi energy that run throughout the body called Meridians. If an area on one or more of these Meridians becomes stuck then disease or pain may result and an imbalance will occur. Once the energy is freed, disease or pain may decrease or cease to exist altogether. A practitioner of Eastern Medicine may use acupuncture, herbs, massage, diet, and/or exercise to balance the body and allow Qi to flow freely.

One of the main differences with Western medicine is that it focuses on a specific disease or symptom. In Eastern Medicine, the physical body and emotional well-being are both examined for an individual “constitutional” diagnosis. For example, two people can both be diagnosed with depression, but treated completely different based on their own unique “constitution.”

In the West, when something happens we ask, “What can we do about it?” In the East, when something happens they ask, “What caused it?” Eastern Medicine looks for the underlying causes of imbalances and patterns of disharmony within the body and views each patient individually.

Because of these differences, Eastern and Western medicine should be seen as complementary as opposed to alternatives to each other. Both have their advantage and drawbacks, which is why when utilized together, we can gain optimal results. Research has shown that Eastern medicine can effectively complement Western medicine when the two systems are used for acute, chronic or life-threatening disease. In China, a combination of Eastern and Western medicine has been shown to be more effective in treat certain cancers than Western medicine alone.

Many major hospitals across the United States now offer Eastern treatments such as acupuncture. Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific here in Honolulu is an excellent example where acupuncture is offered along with physical, occupation and speech therapy to help patients recover  from orthopedic surgeries, stroke, trauma and other injuries.

As we transition through to the golden years, we are naturally more susceptible to an increasing number of chronic illnesses and prevention becomes critical to maintaining our most optimal levels of well-being.

Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns…
Friends & Family Fighting Fraud

The best protection against fraud is information and communication.

Being open and aware of what’s going on in our friends’ and family’s lives; taking the time to talk about day-to-day events and even watching over each other is vital for many reasons.

As much as we’d like to believe in the spirit of human kindness, we all know that there are people out there who would like to relieve us of our hard-earned money in unethical ways—fraud and scams.

No one is invulnerable to these scammers. We are not protected by race, religion, age or economic status. The best tools we have available are knowledge and education. Knowing what frauds are out there, and how to deal with the scammers should we encounter them.

Encourage our friends and family to use open communication and common sense. That, united with good resources and information, will go a long way in the fight against fraud.

One of the ways in which you can help prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of fraud or scams is to ensure that someone is watching over them on a regular basis. If you or a loved one feels like you are being pressured into a bad business deal or has encountered something that seems too good to be true; contact Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information about topics affecting marketplace trust, visit www.bbb.org.

The best protection against fraud is information and communication. Being open and aware of what’s going on in our friends’ and family’s lives; taking the time to talk about day-to-day events and even watching over each other is vital for many reasons. As much as we’d like to believe in the spirit of human kindness,…
Tips: Five Hints for Caregivers

While some people receive care from paid professionals, more are relying on the unselfish assistance of families, friends, and neighbors. The stress, exhaustion and extreme emotions faced by caregivers can be overwhelming. Following are some hints for those facing this situation:

1. Physical

Place a high priority on taking care of yourself, as caregivers often neglect their own health. Keep all of your medical appointments. Learn to manage appointments and other obligations using an electronic or manual calendar.

2. Emotional

Schedule time for yourself. Even the most loving efforts to care for a family member can result in stress, frustration, anxiety, physical exhaustion, anger and depression. Don’t abandon the rest of your daily life, and don’t become a martyr. Ask for help.

3. Financial

Talk to independent financial experts. The financial burden on caregivers can range from temporary inconvenience to serious hardship. Experts will be able to evaluate the situation objectively and offer alternatives and advice.

4. Family

Many primary caregivers are also still raising children. Involve family members in caregiving, and lighten your workload by sharing responsibilities. Don’t underestimate children, as they can and will help.

5. Personal Life

Be sure to have one. Take advantage of respite services when you feel the need to recharge.

While some people receive care from paid professionals, more are relying on the unselfish assistance of families, friends, and neighbors. The stress, exhaustion and extreme emotions faced by caregivers can be overwhelming. Following are some hints for those facing this situation: 1. Physical Place a high priority on taking care of yourself, as caregivers often…
Message from the Editor – June / July 2011

As we kick off the summer, it is time to start spending more time with our friends and families, and to be thankful for our health. Although the summer days are long, our time is short. Take a moment to call and say hello to a family member or friend. Personally, once a year I spend several days with my entire family (30+ and growing) to play sports, go to the beach, eat meals together and reminisce about the good ol’ days. We spend hours talking story and, yes, we probably tell the same stories each year, but none of us mind. I tell all my friends that this is what keeps our family together. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

My family, like yours, is the most important part of my life. My elders are especially dear to me. I always want to make sure that they are happy, comfortable and protected. This is was my motivation behind inviting Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro to be featured in our cover story. He has committed part of his term to senior issues, including raising awareness about elder abuse. In this issue he explains his agenda for improving crime prevention and fighting for justice for seniors.

Lastly, I’d like to mention that Generations Magazine was recently chosen by the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu to be a recipient of the Lei Hulu Award for Volunteer Friendly Businesses. The award was given to us at the Mayor’s 45th Senior Recognition Program.

We are very proud of this award and thankful for the recognition by the Mayor of our business. We are always looking for your comments, stories, events and pictures. Please contact us to submit any of the above.

Live well and get involved!

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

As we kick off the summer, it is time to start spending more time with our friends and families, and to be thankful for our health. Although the summer days are long, our time is short. Take a moment to call and say hello to a family member or friend. Personally, once a year I…
Tips: Caregivers With Elderly on the Go

Moving and transferring the elderly is a challenge for many caregivers, especially those who lack formal training. But, the process can be made easier and safer by learning some simple tips.

1. Educate yourself on how to move the elderly, especially those who are frail. Caregivers should receive training from a physical therapist before an elderly is discharged from a hospital or nursing home. Proper training can reduce injury and risk to both the elderly and the caregiver.

2. Use equipment. Purchase a gait belt at a local medical supply store to help grip onto an elderly person and decrease the chance of injury. Other useful items include shower rails, grab bars and hospital beds.

3. Wear proper clothing. The elderly and caregiver should wear covered shoes or non-slip socks. Slippers and high heels are discouraged.

4. Communication is the key. Make sure the elderly does as much as he or she can to get from one place to another. This requires talking them through the process and keeping sentences specific and brief, especially for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

5. Get rid of hazards. Pets, loose mats and color-coordinated items are dangerous to the elderly, who are prone to tripping over things, especially at night.

6. Provide adequate lighting. By age 65, people require 60 percent more lighting to distinguish differences in tone. Caregivers can also mark edges of the stairs and add more contrast to areas in the house to make it safer.

7. The elderly should not grab onto caregivers. Sometimes the elderly get scared and grab caregivers around the neck, which is dangerous. It’s best to offer a safer part of the body to hold onto, like the forearm.

8. Do what’s best for yourself AND the elderly. Families have to make critical decisions about knowing when it’s becoming too difficult to care for someone. Caregivers should keep themselves healthy, have respite time and take care of their backs.

9. It’s technique, not muscle. People tend to think that moving and transferring requires physical strength, but learning basic tricks is the key. A simple phrase to remember is, “nose over toes” to help caregivers remember that they need to get the elderly person’s body to go forward in order to get up.

10. Be cautious…when helping an elderly person who has fallen. Most caregivers think they need to pick up someone immediately after a fall. But, it’s important to watch for red flags like confusion, dizziness, pain and limbs turned in abnormal ways. If it seems safe to move the elderly, pick them up from underneath the arms or they can crawl to a chair or couch that they can use to pull themselves up. For larger people, ask for help or call 911. Meanwhile, provide the elderly with a pillow and blanket. Gently roll them on their side if they’re in a position that could cause choking.

DISCLAIMER

Information provided by Ann Low, academic coordinator for clinical education at Kapi‘olani Community College. She works with the PTA program in the Health Sciences Department and also teaches a section of the KCC’s Family Caregiver Training Series.

This series of caregiver tips is brought to you by the Kupuna Education Center at Kapi‘olani Community College. For more information, please call 734-9211.

Moving and transferring the elderly is a challenge for many caregivers, especially those who lack formal training. But, the process can be made easier and safer by learning some simple tips. 1. Educate yourself on how to move the elderly, especially those who are frail. Caregivers should receive training from a physical therapist before an…
How to Take Social Security Right on Time

Now that the Baby Boomers have begun reaching retirement age, one key decision is looming for them—when to claim Social Security benefits. And that choice is as complicated and varied as the individuals making it.

Social Security? Yes, if you’re a member of the Boomer generation, there will be Social Security benefits for you when you retire, despite talk of deficits and under-funding.

Your ‘full retirement age,’ as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), varies depending on when you were born. For example, if you were born in 1937 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65 — the age at which you receive full Social Security benefits. You can retire as early as age 62, but your monthly retirement benefit will be permanently reduced.

On the other hand, you can choose to delay your benefits and retire as late as age 70, which will increase the amount of your monthly retirement benefits.

Generally, the sooner you begin taking Social Security benefits, the less you will receive each month. For most people who are in good health, it makes sense to wait until age 70 before taking benefits. But your health is just one of many factors. Here are some things to think about when deciding when to take Social Security.

How long will you live?

OK, no one really knows the answer to this, but it’s worth thinking about probabilities. Do you have a chronic illness that could affect your life expectancy? If so, you may want to retire and take benefits early. On the flip side … does your family have a history of longevity? If so, you might wait to start your benefits until full retirement age or later.

Are you married?

Here is where the decision can get complex. You need to take your spouse’s age and health status into account. Many couples time their retirement to maximize the monthly benefit by exercising what’s known as the 62/70 split. Put simply, the lower-earning spouse files early at age 62 based on his or her own Social Security benefit. The higher-earning spouse files at his or her full retirement age and suspends benefits until age 70. This improves the spouse’s benefit and allows the higher-earner to improve his or her own benefit when they begin drawing later.

Do you plan to work while receiving benefits?

If you take Social Security benefits before your normal retirement age, continuing to work may lead to reduced benefits. Once you reach the annual income limit ($14,160 in 2010), benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. Then, when you hit your normal retirement age, the formula changes to $1 benefit reduction for every $3 earned beyond a higher limit ($37,680 in 2010). Another thing to consider is that depending on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), Social Security benefits can become subject to income tax.

For most Americans, Social Security is just one piece of their retirement plan. But being smart about your benefits can make your retirement more comfortable and allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked to secure.

To learn how to maximize your benefits, seek the advice of a professional who specializes in retirement planning. The Social Security Administration’s Website also has resources at www.ssa.gov.

Now that the Baby Boomers have begun reaching retirement age, one key decision is looming for them—when to claim Social Security benefits. And that choice is as complicated and varied as the individuals making it. Social Security? Yes, if you’re a member of the Boomer generation, there will be Social Security benefits for you when…
Kūpuna at Work

Last year, Neil Abercrombie proposed a vision for older adults that caused us to consider aging in a new way. He suggested that most adults over 60 are a tremendous economic and social asset. Elder care professionals, however, have been focused on the rapid growth of the aging population and the challenges that it poses to Hawai‘i’s resources to pay for more workers and services. For decades, there have been evaluation studies, financing proposals and legislative changes to promote new initiatives. Despite these efforts, we are still grappling. Where are we going? What is our statewide goal for long-term care? Do we wish to promote self-responsibility? Should we promote a state mandate to finance long-term care? Should we try to re-balance the system by emphasizing non-institutional care? Should we limit care for only the very needy?

To address elder care, Hawai‘i will require more resources or it must find ways to reduce the demand for services. New resources could come from new taxes, private payments from insurance or other sources. From this perspective, aging is a growing liability. While long-term care of Hawai‘i’s frail older adults should not be ignored, our pessimistic and deficit-based perspective on aging as an economic drag requires a counter balance.

Older adults are an asset. We need to shift our focus — a shift from sick-care to well-care. At the present time, there is a wave of active aging activities that highlight positive themes of well-aging. The World Health Organization’s Active Aging policy framework in 2002 was an important springboard for international support for this movement. Within the past decade, new terms such as positive aging, vital aging, Third Age, productive aging, successful aging and healthy aging have become commonly used. New journals, newsletters and numerous books on wellness and positive aging are also springing up. New academic opportunities are emerging as new centers conduct evidence-based research and implement innovative programs from an assets-based approach.

Kapi‘olani Community College’s Kupuna Education Center will begin down this path in search for new ways to target active retirees. We want to put their strengths, assets and interest in contributing to work. Does this mean that our long-term care paraprofessional and family caregiver training will be terminated? Absolutely not. They will continue. However, our new direction will transform how we view gerontology from sick-care to well-care, from a deficit-focused training to an asset-based training center.

We prefer to view growing older as part of life’s course. It’s a continuing of interrelationships of family members, of productive roles for all of us for each stage of our lives, of generational relations and intergenerational support. We envision education and training to unleash the power and potential of elders to continue being engaged and to help improve our communities. In keeping with the Governor’s New Day in Hawai‘i vision, Kapi‘olani Community College’s Kūpuna Education Center will involve training to care for our elders as well as training to prepare them to work for the betterment of Hawai‘i.

For more information, please visit us online at www.kupunaeducation.com.

Last year, Neil Abercrombie proposed a vision for older adults that caused us to consider aging in a new way. He suggested that most adults over 60 are a tremendous economic and social asset. Elder care professionals, however, have been focused on the rapid growth of the aging population and the challenges that it poses…
Know the 10 Warning Signs

Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s have difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning—problems severe enough to impact on an individual’s work, social activities and family life.

This list can help you recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life:

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems:

A person may find it hard to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, concentrating or take much longer to do things.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure:

A person may find it hard to complete daily tasks, such as driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

4. Confusion with time or place:

A person can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships:

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing:

A person may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps:

A person may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.

8. Decreased or poor judgment:

A person may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities:

A person may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby.

10. Changes in mood and personality:

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician. Early diagnosis is an important step in getting treatment, care and support services. To contact the Alzheimer’s Association, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/hawaii.

Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer’s have difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning—problems severe enough to impact on an individual’s work, social activities and family life. This list can help you recognize the warning signs of…
Expanded Services: Pālolo Chinese Home

Heidi Failola, PCH Housekeeper; Celia Soriano, PCH Housekeeper; Samson Kaonohi, PCH Housekeeper; Kevin Wu, HINOA Coordinator; Clarita Dela Cruz, PCH Housekeeper

For more than 100 years, Pālolo Chinese Home has been serving the elderly community. Open to all genders, races and ethnicities, Pālolo Chinese Home provides a continuum of long-term care services in a culturally sensitive setting on its 15-acre campus. Now Pa¯lolo Chinese Home is expanding its services beyond its campus.

“Today, the elderly are more independent. They want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, and we want to help them do that,” explains Darlene Nakayama, Administrator of Pālolo Chinese Home. Research indicated that the elderly need some basic day-to-day services to ensure a safe and clean environment, as well as some of the more complex medical services, and they want it all at home. The Pālolo Chinese Home realized they were in an ideal position to provide these services.

Pālolo Chinese Home provides home cleaning for seniors living at home. For as little as $30, residents aged 65 years or older (and whose annual income is less than $24,000) can have their home cleaned, with satisfaction assured by Pālolo Chinese Home. “Our professional staff will visit your home, evaluate your cleaning needs, and perform the work under our supervision and with our full security,” says Nakayama. “It is thanks to a PIN grant provided by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation that these services can be provided,” she adds. The PIN grant is limited and may end later this year.

Since 1897 it has been Pālolo Chinese Home’s mission to serve the elderly community. Home cleaning at a reduced rate (with savings of up to $250 per cleaning) is one of the ways it is continuing its mission and meeting the changing needs of the elderly. Other in-home services provided by Pālolo Chinese Home include in-home meal delivery, safety and health assessments, chore services/companionship, and doctor house calls to homebound seniors.

For more information, please call Darlene Nakayama, PCH Administrator at 737-2555

For more than 100 years, Pālolo Chinese Home has been serving the elderly community. Open to all genders, races and ethnicities, Pālolo Chinese Home provides a continuum of long-term care services in a culturally sensitive setting on its 15-acre campus. Now Pa¯lolo Chinese Home is expanding its services beyond its campus. “Today, the elderly are…
Shrimp Coleslaw with Southeast Asian Twist
While shrimp may be small in size, these protein-rich and low-carb crustaceans are huge in terms of nutritional value and health benefits.

Shrimp Coleslaw:

1 head Cabbage, shredded

1 head Chinese/Napa cabbage, shredded

2 whole Carrots, grated

1 whole Red onion, halved and sliced thin

1 cup Fresh mint, roughly chopped

1 cup Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1 cup Roasted peanuts, chopped

1 lb. Salad shrimp

Dressing:

1 ½ cups Unsweetened coconut milk

 ½ cup Lite or fat-free sour cream

2 Tbs. Lite mayo

1 whole Lime juiced, or 3 Tbs.

2 Tbs. Asian fish sauce

3 Tbs. Rice vinegar

 1 cup Green onion, sliced thin

Salt & fresh ground black pepper

Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; whisk. Refrigerate for about an hour to thicken and let the flavors develop.

Shrimp Coleslaw: In a large bowl, toss together cabbage through mint and top with shrimp. Add dressing, but a little at a time in order to not saturate your salad greens. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper, then sprinkle cilantro and chopped peanuts on top.

Serves: 10 to 12
While shrimp may be small in size, these protein-rich and low-carb crustaceans are huge in terms of nutritional value and health benefits. Shrimp Coleslaw: 1 head Cabbage, shredded 1 head Chinese/Napa cabbage, shredded 2 whole Carrots, grated 1 whole Red onion, halved and sliced thin 1 cup Fresh mint, roughly chopped 1 cup Fresh cilantro,…
Can You Hold It?
What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control that is often seen in the elderly. It affects more than 25 million Americans. Urinary incontinence is not a part of the normal aging process. This can be a very embarrassing problem for seniors often leading to social isolation. The good news  is that it can be treated. Please talk with your physician today.

What are the causes of urinary incontinence?

It can be caused by many different medical problems such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, enlarged prostate gland, weakened pelvic muscles after childbirth and certain medications. Neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke may cause urinary incontinence, too.

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

Stress incontinence usually occurs when the pelvic muscles are weakened, for example by childbirth or surgery. It is common in women, causing urine to leak when a person coughs or laughs.

Urge incontinence occurs when the need to urinate comes on very suddenly. It is most common in elderly and may be a sign of overactive bladder.

Overflow incontinence is the uncontrollable leakage of small amounts of urine caused by an overfilled bladder. It is common in men and can be caused by something blocking the urinary flow such as an enlarged prostate gland.

Functional incontinence occurs in persons who have normal urine control but trouble getting to the toilet in time. This may be seen in persons with severe arthritis or dementia.

Mixed incontinence is a combination of the one or more types listed above.

How can urinary incontinence be treated?

Treatment depends of the type and cause of urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises, bladder training, medications and/or surgery are some  of the options.

What are Kegel exercises?

Kegel exercises, named after Dr Arnold Kegel, consist of contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles. These exercises strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and are useful to women experiencing stress incontinence. To locate the right muscles, try stopping the urine flow without using the stomach, leg or buttock muscles. When you are able to slow or stop the stream of urine then you have located the right muscles. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds and relax for 10 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions, three times a day. Results are usually seen in 3 to 6 months. The advantage of Kegel exercises are that they can be performed anywhere and anytime.

What is timed voiding and bladder training?

Seniors with urge incontinence can learn to lengthen the time between urges to go to the bathroom. It is advised to complete a bladder record/chart of the times a person urinates and the times of accidental leakage. It is important to observe patterns and then empty the bladder before an accident would likely occur. A person starts by urinating at set intervals such as every 1 to 2 hours, whether they feel the need to go or not. Seniors can retrain their bladder by gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits.

What medications are available for urinary incontinence?

Men with prostate enlargement can benefit from prescription medications to shrink the prostate and improve the flow of urine. Overactive bladder is often due to bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable. There are several medications to treat overactive bladder. These medications block specific receptors in the bladder, which help the muscles of the bladder to relax.

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery is reserved if other treatments haven’t worked or if the incontinence is severe. It is helpful in stress incontinence in women and in overflow incontinence in men due to an enlarged prostate.
What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control that is often seen in the elderly. It affects more than 25 million Americans. Urinary incontinence is not a part of the normal aging process. This can be a very embarrassing problem for seniors often leading to social isolation. The good news  is that…