---
title: "What Is Incontinence? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Incontinence is the loss of control over the bladder, bowel, or both, causing leaks or accidents. It is more common in older adults, especially women, but..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/incontinence/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Incontinence

Incontinence is the loss of control over the bladder, bowel, or both, causing leaks or accidents. It is more common in older adults, especially women, but it is not a normal part of aging that cannot be treated. Causes include weak muscles, infections, medicines, and nerve problems.

## Why it matters for your family

Incontinence affects comfort, skin health, and confidence. Families often avoid the subject, so it goes untreated. A doctor can look for causes such as infections, constipation, medicine effects, or an overactive bladder. Treatments range from bladder training and exercises to medicine. Practical help includes easy bathroom access, quick-release clothing, and regular toileting. A common mistake is cutting back on fluids, which can irritate the bladder. Caregivers can help with hygiene and supplies in a calm, private way. Raise sudden changes with a doctor. Keep a short log of when leaks happen and what the person drank, because it helps the doctor.

Source: [nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bladder-health-and-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-older-adults)

[Read more: Personal and advanced care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/personal-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Continence**Continence, as an activity of daily living, means the ability to control bladder and bowel.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/continence/)
-   [**Toileting**Toileting, as an activity of daily living, means getting to and from the toilet, using it, and cleaning up afterward.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/toileting/)
-   [**Personal care**Personal care is hands-on help with daily self-care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/personal-care/)
-   [**Parkinson's disease**Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes movement problems.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/parkinsons-disease/)
-   [**Dementia**Dementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dementia/)
-   [**Fall risk**Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-risk/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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