12 Holiday Tips for Confident Caregiving

We know that caring for a loved one with incontinence can feel overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. This year, treat yourself to daily reminders of how to provide this vital care with confidence and dignity. You’ve got this!

1. Make your holiday meals more bladder-friendly 

Special meals are a highlight of the season, but some bladder-irritating foods should be consumed in moderation. Spicy foods, acidic tomato-based foods, chocolates, artificial sweeteners and honey may worsen urinary incontinence symptoms. Menu planning with this in mind can help ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

2. Sip smart this holiday season 

During this busy time of year, make sure your loved one is drinking enough water. Not hydrating enough can lead to bladder irritation, which can increase incontinence risk. Beverages that include caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, or are citrus-based should be enjoyed in moderation as they can sometimes trigger leakage. Festive mocktails can be a great alternative to ensure your loved one still feels included in the celebration. 

3. Prepare for incontinence while traveling

Holiday travel means possible traffic jams and transit delays. Use mobile apps to locate bathrooms along travel routes and select seats on planes and trains that are close to the restroom. Even for short trips, be sure to pack a bag of extra incontinence products, personal wipes, a change of clothes and plastic bags for soiled items. Being prepared can help bring peace of mind!

4. Maintain a consistent bathroom schedule

As you navigate holiday travel plans and events, try to maintain a regular bathroom schedule to help reduce the risk of accidents. Set discreet phone reminders if needed. At gatherings or events, choose a spot close to the restroom. These simple tips can reduce stress, make bathroom trips easier and help your loved one feel more comfortable and confident.

5. Dress for comfort and discretion

Encourage your loved one to choose clothing that allows for easy changes and accommodates incontinence products without being noticeable. Select incontinence products with odor-blocking technology to neutralize smells and tie up any soiled products and clothes in plastic bags for disposal.  

6. Keep skin health a priority 

Nothing ruins a festive event like painful, itchy skin. Incontinence-associated dermatitis is a year-round challenge for people managing bladder or bowel incontinence because prolonged exposure to moisture can cause skin to break down and become susceptible to infection. Make sure your loved one is wearing high-quality, breathable incontinence products to help protect the skin. 

7. Protect bedding when staying overnight as a guest 

If your loved one is staying overnight in someone else’s home during the holidays, bring disposable underpads for the bed. These offer an extra layer of protection when used with a wearable incontinence product such as a bladder control pad or adult brief. You will both rest easier if you’re not stressing about nighttime accidents!

8. Stock up on cleaning supplies 

Sometimes accidents happen no matter how prepared you are! Quick cleanup is important to ensure that odors and stains don’t linger. In addition to laundry detergent, keep white vinegar, baking powder, towels and a vacuum on hand to remove wet urine stains from mattresses or cushioned surfaces. You can find full instructions on stain removal here.  

9. Find support and connect with other caregivers

Finding others who understand what it means to be a caregiver can help you feel less isolated during the holidays. Local churches, senior centers, and community groups may offer in-person and virtual support. Caregiver-focused and disease-specific organizations like Caregiver Action Network, Alzheimer’s Association, or National Association for Continence provide free tools, advice and community. You are not alone! 

10. Share the care

The holidays can be demanding, especially when you’re balancing caregiving responsibilities. Remember, even the most dedicated caregivers need breaks!  Short-term respite care – whether through adult day programs, in-home aides or accepting help from friends or loved ones – can give you time to rest, recharge and enjoy the holidays with renewed energy.

11. Call on the eNurses™ 

The Prevail eNurse™ team is available 24/7 to answer your questions about caring for someone with incontinence. Our professional, licensed nurses can help you find the right product for your loved one, determine the right size and share tips on incontinence care. This service is 100% free and always confidential – consider them your holiday helpers. 

12. Keep trusted caregiving guides handy

Caregiving guides are valuable resources throughout the year. Prevail’s book, “Caring with Dignity: A Caregiver’s Guide to Incontinence,” offers practical strategies for how to provide incontinence care at home. With real-life examples and easy-to-use tools, keep it close this holiday season and use it as a quick reference guide. 

To all of the family caregivers out there, we wish you joyful holidays with your loved ones. Enjoy the season with confidence!