Brochure “Incontinence in the Home Care of Dementia Patients” newly published by the German Alzheimer Society

14.08.2012 11:21

Many people with dementia suffer from incontinence, i.e. the inability to control their bladder and bowels. This can lead to great physical and mental stress for caring relatives. Ms. A. (69), who cares for her husband (74) who suffers from dementia, said: “When my husband's forgetting and disorientation got worse and worse, it was difficult for me. But when the incontinence started and he could no longer hold the water, I thought, now I can't handle the care anymore, I was really desperate." Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case.

The brochure “Incontinence in Home Care for Dementia Patients” from the German Alzheimer Society, which has just been published in a revised edition, is intended to help promote continence (the ability to control the bladder and intestines) and to better deal with incontinence. The authors, the nursing scientists Dr. Daniela Hayder and Erika Sirsch explain the various forms and causes of incontinence in an understandable and practical way and give tips for promoting continence, for example through nutrition and toilet training. They explain the use of toilet aids, absorbent aids, catheters and how health and nursing care insurance companies cover the costs of aids. Her recommendation is to always seek medical diagnosis and advice from specialized nursing professionals. Much can be done to make living with incontinence easier.

The brochure: German Alzheimer Society (ed.)
Incontinence in the home care of dementia patients. Information about bladder and intestinal weakness
3rd edition 2012, 80 pages, 4 euros