- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Alzheimer's and Incontinence
A Caregiver's View
By Melissa Granberry
"Because of his Alzheimer's, my dad doesn't realize when he needs to go to the restroom," Kathy says. To help with her father's incontinence, especially during outings, Kathy uses DependŽ absorbent products. "DependŽ is a great product, and I really appreciate the information I get via e-mail, [DependŽ Connections], and the support they show," she says.
Absorbent products are a great help to Kathy and her father, but Kathy continues to take her dad on regular trips to the bathroom. "That's a 24-hour-a-day job," she says, but it helps reduce irritation and bacterial infections.
A certified nurse's aide comes to their home five days a week to assist her father and give Kathy a chance to catch up on sleep or run a few errands. "I get very erratic sleep and eat erratically, as he needs to be monitored constantly," she says.
Even with help, it is hard to leave her dad. If he falls or is unwilling to cooperate, Kathy is usually needed. "When he's sound asleep I can get out to do the shopping, get the mail and take the garbage out," Kathy says. "Thankfully, there are 24-hour grocery stores and Wal-Mart!"
Kathy assists her dad in all of his daily activities, such as shaving, bathing and eating. "Sometimes tough love comes into play," she says, especially when trying to get her dad to take his medications or eat a meal. "I sit with him and make sure he doesn't chew up and spit out his food." Read our previous article, Relationship Rescue: Maintaining Good Relationships With the People You Care For, for ideas on keeping your relationship with your loved one intact.
