Incontinence, Bladder Cancer and 95 Year Old Dad - HELP

Hello @bluesplashgirl Im so sorry your dad is suffering from diarrhea at this time. It must be so disheartening to him. How are you coping with it right now? Has his doctor offered any advice.? My mother went thru this same problem last year. She is 96 and also decided not to treat the cancer. She’s ok now, but we had a few difficult months.
Have you tried adult diapers? He could wear them when out of bed. You can put a towel on the bed to keep it clean when he’s in bed. There are also incontinence pads you can buy (at a drug store or pet store) . You can put them on a bed or chair. Be sure that you clean the site where the catheter enters the penis so that your dad doesn’t get a bladder infection. Also keep his skin dry and maybe put an ointment (like desitin, made for babies diaper rash) on the entire genital area. This will keep the skin from breaking down. I’m going to look up some more info for you, so I’ll write another message. Please give your dad a hug!

@bluesplashgirl I found this website that has some of the supplies that I mentioned https://www.carewell.com/incontinence/
Also try the nafc.org. website. It is the national association for continence. It has lots of info on skin care,etc. Hope some of this will help

Hello Becky, we have done all that you suggest. The thing is my feisty dad will get up at night when he feels it coming on and he has the accident on the way to the toilet. I am looking into plastic pants for over his depends. Also, we will get him some ointment like A&D and do what you suggest. Thank you for your care and concern and hugs! Carolyn

Oh thank you! I will look them up now.

@bluesplashgirl I just thought of something else. Does your dad have a bedside commode? He really isn’t safe getting up and going to the bathroom at night.

@bluesplashgirl you might also find some helpful ideas from members in the Caregivers group, for example this discussion:
- Alzheimer's and Incontinence https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alzheimers-and-incontinence/

I know it's not the same diagnosis, but some solutions may apply.

No he doesn’t and that is a very good idea. I will see what we can do. Thank you for caring!

Thank you, Colleen!

Unfortunately Dr. Kovorkian passed away so you cannot reach him to request his services. Animals are Gods creatures and there seems to be no problem putting them down when they are suffering. Why not humans?

Hello Thomas,
There is “Dignity In Dying” laws in 4 or 5 states now. However, even then it is still the choice of the individual and not the doctor or family. I agree that we will help our animals when they are in the most need of help and I do hope they pass the Dignity In Dying law here in MN. I for one would sign for it now before I couldn’t speak for myself. For now, I am looking for advice to help my father who chooses to continue on his trajectory with the assistance of those whom he loves and who love him. I am not seeking opinions regarding euthanasia.