No, it is not being used to smooth away the wrinkles of age. According to this article by Shelley Webb, a registered nurse and founder of The Intentional Caregiver, Botox recently got the thumbs-up from officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating urinary incontinence, an issue plaguing many seniors at home, in assisted living and in other care settings.
Though most seniors experience incontinence sporadically (and at varying levels of volume and frequency, according to Webb), it is a condition that understandably causes tremendous stress and social anxiety. Botox serves as a “long-term muscle relaxer” (the current track record is a 10-month period of relief) that affords the individual increased bladder control.
Botox aside, how a senior care home manages incontinence care for residents who need assistance is a major indicator of the overall quality of care. An issue as intimate and personal as incontinence requires a balance of sensitivity (especially when staff are treating seniors of the opposite gender), thorough and daily attention to prevent infection and maintain cleanliness, and respect for the individual’s privacy and dignity.
If an assisted living community cannot adequately meet the incontinence care needs of residents, it not only creates a health risk but also poses uncomfortable and embarrassing social and personal situations that undoubtedly impact their quality of life. Keep this in mind if you are considering assisted living for a loved one who needs incontinence care.
Get information on urinary incontinence (testing, treatment, and resources) here, via the National Institute on Aging.
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Benjamin Goode says,
Botox injections are also very useful for the treatment of painful muscle spasm of the muscles of the back. If the back pain is strictly mechanical (no underlying organic disease), it should resolve spontaneously within four to six weeks. Botox can at least get you through the initial acute phase. Remember: Stay active.
on 10 February 2012 / 11:06 PM
Michelle Seitzer says,
Interesting, Benjamin. Thanks for sharing that tidbit! Seems that there are some practical uses for Botox beyond the facelift side of things.
Thanks for stopping by the blog!
on 13 February 2012 / 9:00 AM