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Functional Incontinence: When Getting To The Toilet Is The Challenge
Whilst most forms of incontinence are directly related to bladder conditions, there are times when leaks aren’t caused by your bladder itself.
One such type of incontinence is functional incontinence.
Unlike other types of incontinence, where the bladder or pelvic floor muscles are at fault, functional incontinence happens when something outside your bladder gets in the way of using the toilet in time.
This can be due to one, or any combination, of conditions such as reduced mobility, arthritis, dementia, or even environmental barriers like a toilet that’s too far away.
Because of the nature of some of the associated conditions (dementia and neurological conditions), functional incontinence is more prevalent in older adults, but it can affect anyone living with health or mobility challenges.
Fortunately, because it isn’t directly tied to conditions with the bladder, there are a number of adjustments that can be made, to make living with functional incontinence easier. From the right support, daily adjustments, and management products, functional incontinence can be managed.
What Is Functional Incontinence?
Functional incontinence is the loss of bladder control, due to a pre-existing condition making it difficult to reach the toilet in time, or limiting your ability to recognise it is time to go.
That "pre-existing condition” could be:
- Mobility issues: Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, or recovering from surgery.
- Cognitive challenges: Neurological conditions like dementia, where recognising or responding to the need to use the toilet becomes harder.
- Environmental barriers: For example, not having a readily available toilet or clothing that’s difficult to remove quickly. These barriers alongside one of the aforementioned conditions can make functional incontinence worse.
Because the bladder itself is often working as it should, functional incontinence is sometimes overlooked or not classified as incontinence. However, the impact it has is just as profound as stress, urge, or overflow incontinence and should be taken seriously.
Usually there are a number of adjustments that can be made to decrease the effect functional incontinence has on someone’s day-to-day life.
Symptoms And Signs Of Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence can look a little different from the other main types of urinary incontinence. The bladder itself may work normally, but leaks occur because of barriers that prevent you from reaching the toilet in time.
Common signs include:
- Leaks that happen not because of urgency or pressure, but because you physically couldn’t get to the toilet in time.
- Routine leaks during times when mobility is more difficult (for example, in the middle of the night, when getting out of bed is harder).
- Leaks linked to confusion or memory lapses, such as forgetting where the toilet is or not recognising the urge to go.
- Frequent accidents in unfamiliar environments or when clothing is tricky to manage (zips, buttons, belts) due to limited mobility.
With functional incontinence, the symptoms and causes vary greatly from person to person.
It’s important to remember that functional incontinence is not considered a standard part of “getting older.”
No matter the person’s age, if you notice signs that someone may be experiencing functional incontinence, we always recommend you seek out medical advice. Extra support, small adjustments, or the right products could make a big difference.
Living With Functional Incontinence Day-to-Day
Functional incontinence can have a big impact on someone’s life, beyond just the leaks. It’s not uncommon for those experiencing these leaks to feel like they have lost their independence, impacting their confidence and daily routines.
Simple activities like going shopping, spending time with friends, or even relaxing at home can start to feel more stressful when you’re worried about reaching the toilet in time.
Acknowledging these challenges is important, but so is recognising that small adjustments can make a big difference. For example:
- Planning ahead: mapping out toilets when going out, or making sure the route to the bathroom at home is clear and well-lit.
- Clothing choices: opting for trousers, skirts, or underwear that are easier to remove quickly.
- Night-time routines: keeping a night light or bedside commode close at hand to reduce accidents during the night.
While these steps don’t remove the problem entirely, they can reduce anxiety and help people feel more in control of their day-to-day life. Let’s look at ways to manage functional incontinence in more detail.
What Can Help Manage Functional Incontinence?
Functional incontinence often comes down to removing barriers, whether that’s mobility challenges, memory lapses, or environmental obstacles.
With the right adjustments, you or the person you’re caring for can reduce the effect that functional incontinence has on day-to-day life.
Lifestyle And Environment Adjustments:
Small changes at home can make a big difference. Creating a safer, more accessible environment helps reduce the risk of leaks and removes some of the most common obstacles that can lead to functional incontinence.
- Home setup: Keep walkways clear, add brighter lighting, and consider grab rails or raised toilet seats to make the bathroom easier to access.
- Consider mobility aids: Ensure that those relying on walking frames, walking sticks, or wheelchairs have clear access to reduce the risk of falls and help them get to the toilet more quickly.
- Accessible solutions: If mobility is limited, bedside commodes or urinals can make a big difference if the bathroom is too far away.
- Routine planning: Establishing set toilet times (sometimes called timed voiding) or prompting before bed can help prevent leaks and train your bladder to be less active during the night.
Support For Carers And Loved Ones:
Because of the conditions that often lead to functional incontinence, many who experience it may rely on care.
Carers can combine empathy and practical strategies to ensure the people they’re caring for have the tools they need for success and to minimise leaks.
- Prompted toileting: Reminding or assisting at regular intervals can help, especially for those with memory problems or dementia.
- Dignity and reassurance: Supporting someone with functional incontinence can be sensitive. Like all the other medical conditions they may face, empathy and patience are just as important as practical help for those experiencing functional incontinence.
- Protecting their environment: Preparing for leaks before they happen is key here. Waterproof mattress protectors, chair pads, and discreet bed pads can make clean-up easier and reduce stress for both the person and the carer.
- Shared responsibility: Caring can be a demanding role, especially for those not trained in it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help, whether from family, respite care, or community services, to lighten the load.
Medical And Professional Support:
If you or the person you’re caring for is experiencing leaks for the first time, the best first step is always to seek out help and advice from healthcare professionals who can recommend personalised strategies.
- GPs and occupational therapists can recommend adjustments, equipment, or mobility support tailored to the individual.
- Physiotherapy and exercise can sometimes help improve movement and reduce the delays in getting to the nearest toilet.
Products For Functional Incontinence:
Even with the right support, leaks often still happen. However, with the right products, you can stop leaks from being stressful and keep life moving forward.
- Absorbent pads and pants: From adult nappies to discreet incontinence pads, these products keep leaks under control if the toilet can’t be reached in time.
- Disposable solutions: Cost-effective and easy to change out of, thanks to adhesive straps, disposable incontinence products can be a big help for those with limited mobility.
- Specialist furniture protection: Bed pads, waterproof mattress protectors and chair protectors can help reduce worrying about leaks at night or while sitting for longer periods.
Functional incontinence can feel overwhelming, but with the right mix of environment changes, supportive care, and protection, both individuals and carers can feel more in control and less stressed.
Managing Functional Incontinence With Confidence
Functional incontinence can feel daunting, especially when it’s paired with other pre-existing conditions such as mobility or memory challenges. But with the right mix of planning, support, and products, it doesn’t have to dictate your day-to-day life.
That’s where incontinence brands like Vivactive come in.
By cutting out unnecessary costs and keeping things simple, we make it easy to choose pads, pants, or guards that suit your lifestyle, without paying supermarket or pharmacy prices.
At Vivactive, our goal is to help you feel confident, secure, and comfortable, without the cost. If you’re experiencing leaks, check out our range of pads, disposable and washable pants to find the perfect solution for you.
