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Long Beach Nursing Home Attorneys Handling Bladder and Bowel Disorders
Skilled legal help when an elderly loved one suffers injury in a California nursing home
Bladder and bowel disorders in the elderly refer to a range of medical conditions that affect the functioning of the urinary and digestive systems. These disorders become more common as individuals age due to the natural changes that occur in the body over time. These bladder and bowel disorders can significantly impact the daily lives of elderly individuals, affecting their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. Proper diagnosis, management, and compassionate care are essential to supporting seniors facing these conditions in nursing homes and other care settings.
At Garcia & Artigliere in California, we are dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of elderly residents in nursing homes who have experienced the devastating impact of bladder and bowel disorders. Our team of compassionate and experienced Long Beach nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys understands the challenges faced by vulnerable seniors and their families in these situations. If your loved one has suffered due to neglect, substandard care, or any form of mistreatment related to their bladder and bowel conditions, we are here to fight for justice on your behalf.
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How can we help?
- What are common bladder disorders in the elderly?
- What are the signs of bladder disorders?
- What are common bowel disorders in the elderly?
- What are the signs of bowel disorders?
- What can happen if a bladder or bowel disorder goes untreated?
- Do you have an attorney who handles nursing home neglect near me?
What are common bladder disorders in the elderly?
Common bladder disorders in the elderly include:
- Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent bladder disorders among the elderly. It refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or simply when the person has a strong urge to urinate.
- Overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is a condition characterized by a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. It can lead to an increased need to visit the bathroom, even when the bladder is not full.
- Stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as during physical activities like lifting heavy objects or exercising.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract, including the bladder. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to UTIs, which can cause frequent and painful urination.
- Bladder prolapse. Bladder prolapse, also known as cystocele, occurs when the bladder droops into the vaginal wall. This condition can cause difficulties in emptying the bladder fully.
- Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome or IC). Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain and discomfort, often accompanied by frequent urination.
These bladder disorders can significantly impact the daily life and overall well-being of elderly individuals. Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and nursing home staff must recognize the signs of these conditions and provide appropriate care and support to enhance the quality of life for seniors facing bladder issues.
What are the signs of bladder disorders?
The signs of bladder disorders in the elderly can be similar to those in younger adults, but some are more common in older adults. These include:
- Urinary incontinence. This is the involuntary loss of urine. It can be a sign of several different bladder disorders, including OAB, IC, and bladder cancer.
- Frequent urination. This means urinating more often than usual, even when one doesn’t feel the urge to go. It can be a sign of OAB or IC.
- Urgency. This is the feeling that one needs to urinate right away, even if the bladder isn't full. It can be a sign of OAB or IC.
- Pain or burning during urination. This can be a sign of an infection or other problem.
- Blood in the urine. This can be a sign of a serious problem, such as bladder cancer.
- Cloudy or dark urine. This can also be a sign of a problem.
In addition to these symptoms, the elderly may also experience other signs of bladder disorders, such as:
- Delirium. This is a sudden change in mental status that can be caused by several different factors, including a bladder disorder.
- Falls. Bladder disorders can make it difficult to control the bladder, which can lead to falls.
- Urinary tract infections. The elderly are typically more likely to develop UTIs than younger adults.
When a senior experiences any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. The sooner a bladder disorder is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.
What are common bowel disorders in the elderly?
Common bowel disorders in the elderly include:
- Fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional leakage of stool. It can range from occasional mild leakage to a complete loss of bowel control.
- Constipation. Constipation is a prevalent bowel disorder in the elderly and refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort, bloating, and straining.
- Diarrhea. Diarrhea involves frequent loose or watery bowel movements and can be caused by infections, medications, dietary changes, or other factors.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, alternating between constipation and diarrhea.
- Diverticular disease. Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form in the walls of the colon and become inflamed or infected. This can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
- Colorectal cancer. While not exclusive to the elderly, colorectal cancer becomes more common with age. It can present with symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
- Bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction can occur due to a blockage in the intestines, leading to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.
- Anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, while hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the rectum and anus. Both conditions can cause discomfort and pain during bowel movements.
Managing and treating these bowel disorders is essential to improving the quality of life for elderly individuals. Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and nursing home staff should be vigilant in recognizing the signs and providing appropriate care, support, and medical interventions as needed.
What are the signs of bowel disorders?
The signs of bowel disorders in the elderly can include:
- Constipation. This is the infrequent or difficult passage of stool. It is a common problem in the elderly, and it can be caused by a number of different factors, including medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle changes.
- Diarrhea. This is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. It can be caused by a number of different factors, including infections, medications, and medical conditions.
- Bleeding. This can be a sign of a serious problem, such as colorectal cancer.
- Abdominal pain. This can be a sign of several different problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and bowel obstruction.
- A change in bowel habits. This can be a sign of several different problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and bowel obstruction.
In addition to these symptoms, seniors may also experience other signs of bowel disorders, such as:
- Weakness. This can be a sign of dehydration, which is a common problem in the elderly with bowel disorders.
- Delirium. This is a sudden change in mental status that can be caused by a number of different factors, including a bowel disorder.
- Weight loss. This can be a sign of several different problems, including cancer and malabsorption/malnutrition.
What can happen if a bladder or bowel disorder goes untreated?
Untreated bladder disorders, such as urinary incontinence or urinary retention, can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs can cause pain, discomfort, and may even spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious health issues. Further, for individuals with untreated fecal incontinence, prolonged exposure to stool can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even skin breakdown, leading to pressure ulcers or bedsores.
Chronic and untreated bladder or bowel disorders can significantly affect an individual's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of independence and self-esteem. Some individuals may limit their fluid and food intake to avoid triggering bladder or bowel symptoms, leading to malnutrition and dehydration.
Untreated bladder disorders that cause urgency or frequent trips to the bathroom can also increase the risk of falls, potentially resulting in fractures or other injuries.
In some cases, untreated bladder or bowel disorders can exacerbate underlying medical conditions, leading to more severe health issues, like bladder or bowel cancer. Failure to identify and treat these conditions in a timely manner may lead to the wrongful death of your loved one.
It is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of bladder or bowel disorders to get medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the overall well-being of the affected individual. If you or a loved one is in a nursing home, it's essential to communicate any concerns about bladder or bowel health to healthcare professionals and staff to ensure proper care and support.
When nursing home staff and medical personnel fail in their duty to provide proper or timely treatment, talk to the Long Beach attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere to find out how we can help.
Do you have an attorney who handles nursing home neglect near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 180 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1100, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Talk to a compassionate California nursing home neglect attorney today
If you or a loved one have experienced bladder or bowel injuries due to the negligence of others, our experienced team at Garcia & Artigliere is ready to fight for your rights. Bladder and bowel injuries can have severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences, and you deserve justice. Our compassionate attorneys have a deep understanding of these complex cases and will provide the dedicated representation you need to pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Call our Long Beach offices or fill out our contact form today.
We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. Our nursing home neglect lawyers also serve families throughout the U.S. from our Louisville, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans offices. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
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