Ageing is a fact of life affecting all families. Watching our parents decline in appearance, quality of life, and emotional well-being can be worrying and stressful. Supporting your loved ones means addressing their daily living needs, such as self-feeding, mobility, and toilet hygiene.

Urinary incontinence is one common challenge many elderly individuals face. This condition, known as Urinary Control Disorder (UCD), often arises from structural changes in the ageing bladder and urethra, combined with weakened pelvic floor muscles. Over half of elderly adults experience UCD, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

If left unaddressed, UCD increases the risk of falls, contributes to negative rehabilitation outcomes, and may lead to a 30 per cent decline in functional ability. While surgery is an option in some cases, it is not always viable for seniors.

Fortunately, there are several non-surgical methods that can help manage UCD:

• Bladder Training: Encourage delaying urination when the urge arises. Starting with short delays of 30 minutes, this can gradually increase to one to three hours. This approach works best for those who can engage their pelvic floor muscles effectively.
• Keep a Bladder Diary: Tracking fluid intake and identifying bladder irritants, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol, can help reduce frequent urination.
• Hygienic Pads: These provide a practical solution for managing accidents. However, over-reliance should be avoided to prevent potential complications.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: For individuals with stress incontinence linked to obesity, achieving a healthy weight can reduce pressure on pelvic floor muscles and lower the likelihood of leaks.
• Pelvic Floor Training: Strengthening pelvic floor muscles provides better support to the bladder and helps control involuntary contractions.

These non-surgical options can help improve bladder control while promoting overall well-being. However, older individuals may need additional support to engage and strengthen these muscles effectively.

For seniors who struggle with traditional methods, advanced medical technologies can make a significant difference. At Orchard Clinic, we offer the Emsella chair, which utilises High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to reactivate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

This non-invasive method delivers focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate dormant muscles, helping the brain recognise and engage them again, creating muscle memory. The Emsella chair allows patients to remain fully clothed during the whole process, providing a comfortable solution to enhance bladder control.

This approach not only addresses urinary incontinence but also contributes to better overall function, including improved bowel regularity. Such solutions empower older individuals to regain confidence, improve sleep quality, and enjoy greater independence in their daily lives.

At Orchard Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that come with ageing. Our care programmes are designed to be elderly-friendly, comfortable, and entirely painless. By combining cutting-edge HIFEM technology with personalised pelvic floor physical therapy, we help address urinary control issues in a holistic manner.

Our focus is on improving the quality of life for seniors and their families. Whether it’s reducing night-time interruptions, supporting better mobility, or restoring confidence, our methods are tailored to each individual’s needs. Let us help you and your loved ones navigate the challenges of ageing with ease. Speak to our team today to learn more about our care plans and how we can make a difference in your loved ones’ lives.