This makes it easier for residents to find the toilet at night. Use amber-coloured lights to help minimize sleep disturbance. Also try light motion sensors that turn on automatically.
Toileting support for residents with incontinence
There are several conditions and disabilities that can make it challenging to remain continent or to reach the toilet in time. Toileting helps prevent falls, maintains dignity and independence, and improves quality of life for residents. It also leads to fewer product changes, fewer products used and less waste. These dos and don’ts can help make toileting easier for caregivers and prevent incontinence in residents.
Dos
*Required fields
Leave the toilet door open and lights on at night
*Required fields
Mark toilet door, highlight toilet seats and light switch
Marking the toilet door and using contrasting colours can make it easier for residents to identify the toilet, light switch and toilet seat. A raised toilet chair or handrails improve positioning, making toileting safer and more comfortable.
*Required fields
Pay special attention to signs that a resident needs to use the toilet
This is particularly important when caring for individuals with any cognitive impairment as they may not be able to recognise the signals from the bladder or bowel or know what to do when they need to go.
*Required fields
Clothing that is easy to take off and put on helps avoid accidents
Some residents may have impaired mobility or dexterity. So, clothing that is easy to take off and put on can help avoid accidents. If incontinence products are required, pants are a good choice to facilitate toileting and maintain independence.
*Required fields
Keep the toilet clean, tidy and safe
Ensure the toilet area is kept clean, hygiene articles are kept within reach, and that residents can easily call for assistance if needed.
*Required fields
Praise residents and remain positive
It can be difficult for individuals to accept that they need help with toileting. So offer praise and always remain positive. Promote dignity by providing privacy and making residents feel comfortable, in control and valued.
Don'ts
*Required fields
Never skip a scheduled toilet visit
This can increase the risk of residents having an accident, which can affect their sense of dignity and self-esteem. If an accident happens, say something reassuring like “anyone could have an accident, I'll help you”.
*Required fields
Don’t only help with toileting at set times
Regular routines are good, but you should also be flexible and make sure assistance is available when needed. Always look for signs that they may need to go throughout the day. Most people need to go to the toilet 4-8 times during daytime, and sometimes at night if they are over 60. An average toileting schedule includes visits on waking up in the morning, after breakfast, around lunchtime, in the afternoon, in the evening and before bed.
*Required fields
Never replace toilet visits with incontinence products
Incontinence products should never replace a toilet visit. Keep encouraging your residents and help them to the toilet when needed. If they need incontinence products, choose an individually suited product type in the right size and absorbency level, and make sure it’s attached securely to avoid discomfort and skin chafing as well as to prevent leakages.
More tips for emptying the bladder
- Don’t rush. Residents may have difficulty urinating, so will need more time to make sure their bladder is completely empty. They may also need to change position a couple of times. So always be patient and help them stay calm and relaxed.
- The right sitting position can help empty the bladder. Help your residents find a good sitting position that supports their feet and lets them safely lean forward.
- Help residents stand up and sit down a couple of times to help with any difficulties emptying the bladder – this is known as double or triple voiding.
- If the resident is frail or thin, a soft pillow-ring can make the toilet seat more comfortable.
. ![A professional caregiver helps a contented nursing home home resident sit down at a table with flowers in a pleasant nursing home environment.]( "A professional caregiver helps a contented nursing home home resident sit down at a table with flowers in a pleasant nursing home environment.")
More tips for emptying the bladder
- Don’t rush. Residents may have difficulty urinating, so will need more time to make sure their bladder is completely empty. They may also need to change position a couple of times. So always be patient and help them stay calm and relaxed.
- The right sitting position can help empty the bladder. Help your residents find a good sitting position that supports their feet and lets them safely lean forward.
- Help residents stand up and sit down a couple of times to help with any difficulties emptying the bladder – this is known as double or triple voiding.
- If the resident is frail or thin, a soft pillow-ring can make the toilet seat more comfortable.
Read related articles
Caregiving and night incontinence
If you are providing night care to residents who are incontinent, or need support to remain continent, it's important have effective tools and tricks at your disposal that are based on an understanding of the functions of sleep, and the effects of sleep deprivation. In this article you'll find useful information on a range of these topics, all of which are aimed at one simple goal: a better night's sleep for your resident.
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand*. We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2024 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.