My wife has dementia. She is also incontinent and wears pads/padded underwear. She suffers from frequent UTI's. Could this be a result of her wearing urine-soaked pads/underpants, especially at night? If so, is there a recommended solution as it is often difficult at this stage continually reminding her to change them frequently? Reminding her only makes her angry. Thank you.
The last UTI my Mom had she went to the hospital. They catherized her and got all the urine. Then she was put on IV antibiotics for 2 days. The cranberry tablets and probiotic was introduced at that time. Alva, an RN, recommends D-Mannose to prevent them. It may even clear it up. Make sure a culture is always done to determine what antibiotic is needed. They can get resistant to antibiotics if used too much. This last UTI was in Oct, Mom passed the next Sep. In that time, she never had another UTI.
As we women age, especially if we have had children, our bladders drop. This causes the bladder not to fully empty. This is one way the infection starts. Moms doctor wanted to use a "sling" on her saying it would help with the UTIs but at 80 she refused. So, if possible, take ur wife to the toilet every 2 hrs. Have her sit, even if she had a good stream and seems done, a little longer sometimes you get the urge again. Leaning forward helps to empty the bladder. Water is important in flushing out the kidneys but I would stop any liquids a couple of hours before bed. I would make sure she voids completely before bed.
If you toilet her, you need to make sure she is clean. I used Huggie Wipes to clean Mom up well. They are big and thick. If you bathe her, do not use soap near her urethra. No powders. I used to use a hand held shower head to clean that area. Not once in the 22 months I cared, in my home, for Mom did she have a UTI. Of course, she was able to use the toilet.
Work with her Dr to get the infection under control and then try giving her cranberry tablets daily to help make the urine less susceptible to infection. A pharmacist can help you with what's best for prevention.
She should not be left in wet underthings for too long. If she's going all night in sopping wet underwear.
Yep, she might get mad, but that could definitely be a part of the dementia. You kind of have to roll with that.
My mother also takes D-Mannose with Cranberry - a readily available supplement for bladder health.
I change my mother's Depends regularly and don't give her any choice in the matter. If it's for her health and safety, her attitude about it is not relevant.
Push the liquids, use cranberry supplements and probiotics. When we think a UTI is beginning a specimen is sent to the lab for cultures. The correct antibiotic needs to be subscribed.
A CNA taught me to put 2 on my parent (one over the other). That way it can be easier to remove one.
Consider having a CNA come for her showering.
Try to make all these clean-ups feel more like a spa time. Hold your breath and try not to wrinkle your nose when the odor wafts your way. Use warmed wash cloths and pleasantly scented products. (Avoid lotions or powders in private areas as those can cause UTIs as well).
This loss of independence is confusing and humiliating.
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