Overview
Functional incontinence occurs when a person is aware of the need to urinate but cannot get to the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive limitations. The urinary system itself may be functioning normally.
Causes
Common causes in the elderly include severe arthritis, mobility issues (using a walker or wheelchair), poor eyesight, or cognitive conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease that make it difficult to recognize the need to go or find the toilet.
Management
Environmental Changes
Improving access to the toilet, using bedside commodes, and wearing easy-to-remove clothing.
Scheduled Voiding
Caregiver-assisted timed voiding schedules to prevent accidents.