Urinary incontinence is a common problem, especially among elderly women in nursing homes. Urinary incontinence refers to the inability to control urinary functions. It can manifest in bedwetting and other accidents, and while some consider it a routine part of aging, it sometimes can be prevented and always can be managed.
Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not take the care they need to help patients suffering from urinary incontinence. If it happens to someone you love, a Louisville nursing home abuse attorney may be able to help.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be caused by medical problems, such as a urinary tract infection or muscular weakness. Stress urinary incontinence, caused by the weakening of the urethral sphincter, is especially common in women who have had children and undergone the childbirth process, which can weaken the muscles. In a patient suffering from stress urinary incontinence, the sphincter simply cannot withstand pressure and hold urine, resulting in urine escaping without the patient’s control.
Urinary incontinence also can be caused by mental or communication problems such as a loss of motivation, depression or the inability to communicate the need to use the bathroom. The problem can be made worse if nursing home staff becomes impatient or makes the patient suffering from urinary incontinence feel ashamed or embarrassed about the problem.
Some patients in nursing homes also experience urinary incontinence if they cannot get to the bathroom quickly enough or cannot undress themselves quickly enough.
Urinary Incontinence and Nursing Home Abuse
Whatever the specific cause, urinary incontinence typically is beyond the control of the person experiencing the problem. Unfortunately, sometimes nursing home staff is simply impatient in dealing with the issue of urinary incontinence. While nursing home staff should take patients to the bathroom regularly, help them use the bathroom or remind them to use the bathroom, and assist in the event of an accident, nursing home staff can sometimes be neglectful or even cruel to residents who experience urinary problems.
When this occurs, a Louisville nursing home abuse attorney should be consulted to discuss holding the nursing home responsible for negligence or abusive behavior.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.
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