How to Keep a Bladder Diary to Track Incontinence Issues
Incontinence issues can be extremely difficult to narrow down without the right data. Keeping a bladder diary is one way for your senior to be able to see what’s going on in black and white. Her doctor may ask her to keep one for a few days before a visit, for instance.
Home Health Care in Loudoun County VA: Track Incontinence Issues
Dates and Times Are Important
Knowing when your senior experienced the issues she’s describing is incredibly important. You may find later that she tends to have more frequent issues in the afternoon, for instance, or in the morning. That’s information you can use. Each day’s entry should start with the first visit to the bathroom in the morning and end with the last trip in the evening. Overnight visits to the bathroom should be logged, too.
The Amount of Urine Is Helpful Information
Another bit of data that can be incredibly useful for your senior’s doctor is the amount of urine she’s expelling during each trip to the bathroom. There are measuring pans that can fit over the toilet seat. Your senior sits on the toilet and uses it as normal, but the pan catches the urine. Measurements are typically in cubic centimeters, labeled as “cc.”
Activities During Leaks and the Amount of the Leak
If your elderly family member is experiencing leaks, it’s good to know what she was doing when she experienced the leak. For instance, if she sneezed and experienced a leak, jot that down. You should also record the severity of the leak, such as dampening underwear or soaking underwear.
Any Symptoms Your Senior Noticed
Symptoms can provide even more clues for your senior’s doctor. If your elderly family member experienced pain or any other issues either during regular urination or leaks, make sure those are notated in the bladder diary. Including times and duration with those symptoms may also be a good idea.
Foods and Drinks Ingested, Along with the Amounts
Since what your elderly family member eats and drinks can factor in, you may want to include that as well. Write down the time of the meal or snack along with what your senior ate, how much of it she ate, and any fluids she ingested. If you’re measuring urinary output, then having the amount of fluid intake allows you to compare intake with output.
Make sure that your senior’s bladder diary is getting updated throughout the day. It might be helpful for you or for home care providers to take over writing the information down and having your senior dictate answers. This is especially useful if your elderly family member finds this process tedious.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Loudoun County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
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