My Loved One in a Nursing Home Has Bladder Problems

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My Loved One in a Nursing Home Has Bladder
Problems

• ltcpractice.com

2
Bladder Problems Recognition

• Involuntary loss of urine from bladder
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Urinating often during night
• Bladder feels full after urinating

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Bladder Problems Causes

• Diabetes, Parkinsons Disease
• Heart failure
• Strokes, Multiple Sclerosis
• Enlarged prostate
• Dementia

4
Bladder Problems Causes

• Impaired mobility
• Pain
• Constipation
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Lack of access to toilet

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Bladder Problems Causes

• Water pills (diuretics)
• Caffeine
• Pills that cause constipation
• Some heart medications

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Bladder Problems Urinary Incontinence

• It is very common in nursing home residents.
• Often leads to skin breakdown, urinary tract
  infection, depression and a lower quality of
  life.
• When recognized and evaluated it often can be
  treated and complications prevented.

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How will the doctor or nurse practitioner
evaluate the bladder problem?

• Examine the resident.
• Evaluate risks and likely causes.
• Review pills that might be contributing.
• Check urine for infection.
• Order bladder scan if retention of urine
  suspected.

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How will the nursing home staff treat the bladder
problem?

• Develop a toileting schedule.
• Toilet the resident as soon as requested.
• Change soiled garments and bedding promptly.
• Provide thorough hygienic care.
• Notify MD/NP when signs of infection or skin
  condition develops.

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Bladder Problems Treatment Options

• Treat urinary tract infections when causing
  symptoms.
• Consider medications to control urgent need to
  urinate.
• Refer to urologist when appropriate.

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Urinary catheters when are they used?

• Indwelling catheters increase the risk of urinary
  tract infections and are used infrequently to
• Empty the bladder when resident cannot urinate
• Improve comfort when toileting is painful
• Facilitate healing of a wound

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Bladder Problems How can the family help?

• Notify the staff of previous or current bladder
  problems at the time of admission.
• Provide the name of any urologist previously
  consulted.
• Report new or worsened bladder problems to the
  staff.

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Bladder Problems Things to remember!

• Bladder problems are common in nursing home
  residents.
• Some can be treated, improved, cured.
• Some can be prevented.
• Some will worsen over time.
• Extensive or invasive evaluations may not be
  appropriate.
• Improving the quality of life for your loved one
  is always important.