How To Manage Incontinence At Home
Whether you’re new to having incontinence or have started caring for someone with incontinence, we hope you find these tips on how to manage the condition at home helpful.
Having a solid game plan for handling incontinence at home can seriously cut down on stress and make things feel way more manageable.
Whether it’s a short-term thing or something that sticks around longer, knowing how to stay on top of it can totally boost confidence and make life a whole lot more comfortable.
The key? A mix of smart lifestyle tweaks, good hygiene habits, and using the right products – because why not make things as easy as possible?
Here are our top tips to keep things smooth at home!
Accepting incontinence
Understanding and accepting incontinence as part of life can make a huge difference. Knowing you’re not alone on this journey (because you’re definitely not!) can help bring some peace of mind, both mentally and emotionally.
Acceptance isn’t just about feeling better – it’s also the first step toward getting the right help when you need it, making small lifestyle shifts, and putting solid strategies in place without feeling embarrassed.
You’ve got this – and with the right mindset, managing incontinence can feel way less overwhelming!
Have a toilet routine
A little structure can go a long way when it comes to managing incontinence. Creating a regular toilet routine – like heading to the bathroom every 2 to 4 hours – helps keep things in check.
Try scheduling trips before activities like meals or exercise (because no one wants surprises mid-jump!).
Think of it as giving your bladder a heads-up – and trust us, it’ll thank you!
Look at your diet and hydration
It might seem like drinking less water could help avoid leaks, but staying hydrated is actually really important for managing incontinence. Not drinking enough can lead to things like UTIs or constipation – and those can make symptoms worse.
The key? Find a good balance. Drink regularly during the day, but try to ease up a bit before bed to help prevent nighttime accidents.
Also, watch out for bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners – they can sometimes make things trickier. Sticking to bladder-friendly foods (think fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains) can really help.
Try pelvic floor exercises
Doing regular pelvic floor exercises (you might know them as Kegels) can make a big difference in managing bladder control. These simple exercises – where you contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles – help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, reducing leaks over time.
Try to fit them in a few times a day – it’s quick and easy, and the results can really pay off!
For the best results, we recommend chatting with a pelvic physiotherapist. They can guide you on the exercises that are most effective for your specific needs. In the meantime you could try these yoga poses for the pelvic floor.
Maintain good hygiene
Good hygiene is super important when managing incontinence – it helps prevent skin irritation, infections, and conditions like Incontinence Associated Dermatitis.
Here’s the simple routine:
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Clean regularly – Use mild soap and warm water to gently cleanse the area.
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Pat, don’t rub – Dry the skin carefully by patting to avoid irritation.
- Protect with cream – Apply a moisture barrier cream to keep skin safe and comfortable
A little extra care goes a long way in keeping skin healthy and irritation-free!
Find continence aids that suit your needs
Managing incontinence doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right absorbent products, you can stay comfortable and go about your day with confidence.
The key? Choosing the right product that fits well and matches your needs – because a good fit helps prevent leaks and keeps you feeling secure.
At Invizi, we make finding the right products for your needs simple.
Try our Invizi Fit Quiz – A quick, simple questionnaire that suggests the best products based on your answers. No stress, no guesswork!
Need more help? Our friendly product specialists are always here to chat and recommend options tailored to you. You can find out how to contact us here.
Make sure your bathroom’s safe
A few simple changes to the bathroom can make a world of difference for anyone managing incontinence – especially if mobility is a factor. It’s all about creating a space that’s safe, convenient, and stress-free!
Here are a few ideas to get started:
Install grab bars
Wall-mounted bars near the toilet can provide extra support and stability.
Use non-slip mats
A small change that helps prevent slips and keeps things secure.
Brighten things up
Good lighting reduces the risk of accidents (and makes everything easier to navigate!).
Bonus tip: If a carer helps you in the bathroom, encourage them to take things slow – no need to rush. And for a more calming vibe? A little music can work wonders to relax the atmosphere.
Know your odour-control and disposal tips
Let’s be honest – incontinence can sometimes bring along unpleasant odours. But don’t worry! There are plenty of simple tricks to keep things smelling fresh and comfortable at home.
Use odour-neutralising sprays or air fresheners
These can help maintain a clean, pleasant environment.
Dispose of products properly
If there’s faecal matter in your pull-up or slip, flush it down the toilet before tossing the product. This small step can significantly reduce odours.
Wrap it up!
Roll used products into themselves to help contain smells. Slips have side tabs to fasten them closed, and pads can be folded using their sticky side.
Extra protection
Place soiled products in a heavy-duty, opaque disposal bag before throwing them away for discreet and odour-locking disposal.
Stay on top of bins
Empty household bins regularly to keep everything fresh.
Our Invizi range of pants, slips, pads and guards features 12-hour odour-neutralising technology that helps you feel fresh and confident between changes, and after disposing of your products.
Remember, there’s always help
Managing incontinence isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. Healthcare professionals like urologists, continence nurses, or physiotherapists can provide expert advice and create a personalised plan that works for you.
They can recommend treatments like bladder training, medication, or even electrical stimulation therapy if needed.
But it’s not just about the physical side – emotional support matters too.
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Lean on your circle – Friends, family, and support groups can offer encouragement and understanding.
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Share your experiences – Talking about it can help take the weight off and remind you that you’re not alone in this.
With the right guidance and support, managing incontinence at home becomes easier – and you can feel more confident and in control
About the Author: Gabriella Del Grande
Having begun her career as a journalist, Gabriella has been weaving words to create engaging and educational content for over a decade. Gabriella loves to write insightful pieces that empower readers to take control of their health and wellbeing so they can live their lives to the fullest. Along with crafting articles, Gabriella has an eye for design, producing and overseeing visual content from short-form Instagram reels and TikToks to long-form brand campaigns and video series.