Why You Need to Let It Flow….When You Gotta Go
There are times when we want to just "hold it in," but holding it in is not good for our health. As you get older, problems in the bathroom increase and often require you to need help from another person. Being prepared for declining health and aging are vital to retirement planning.
Perhaps you are watching a movie, in the middle of a meeting, or just trying to avoid a public restroom. There are times when you might just want to "hold it." However, experts say you should not procrastinate when you really need to go. The urge to go doesn't always occur at the most convenient times, but holding in your urine or holding in stool for long periods could lead to medical consequences in some cases.
If you hold your urine too long, you might get urinary tract infections because of the bacteria build-up. Also, you risk a higher chance of kidney disease. Although rare, your bladder could burst, which could lead to death. That makes you think twice about "holding it." There are several health problems you might face - in addition to UTIs, including pain, bladder stretching, kidney stones, and more.
Holding in your stool can lead to hard stools, and passing hard stools can be associated with fissures. Fissures are tears in your anal canal and can be very painful, bleed, and take time to heal.
'Holding It' Can Lead to Health Problems
Illness, medicines, and other conditions can affect kidney function. Aging increases the risk of kidney and bladder problems such as bladder control problems, such as leakage or urinary incontinence (not being able to hold your urine), or urinary retention (not being able to empty your bladder completely).
Aging also increases your risk for bladder stones, incontinence, and bladder cancer. Complications can lead to care issues when we are older.
Holding your stool is also a potential health issue. When you hold it in, it reabsorbs into your body and lives on in your colon. It's best to go when you have to go - read more.
Bathroom Problems May Require Long-Term Health Care
Incontinence and other related bathroom problems are leading reasons people need help as they get older. Continence and Toileting are two of six standard activities of daily living that are required to trigger benefits with Long-Term Care Insurance.
As we get older, we need help with these activities of daily living or require supervision due to memory loss. Aging results in a decline in our health and bodies. The older we get, the higher the risk of suffering from dementia.
Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, won't pay for most of this type of long-term health care. Medicaid pays only if you have little or no income and assets. The responsibility falls on our income and assets or family - or both.
This is why many American families turn to affordable Long-Term Care Insurance to access their choice of quality care options, including in-home care. Your assets will be protected, and your family will have the time to remain your family instead of becoming your caregivers.
Be proactive with your health and lifestyle to limit the risks - but aging happens. The consequences of longevity are real. Long-Term Care Insurance can be part of the solution. Be sure to act early before your health declines—most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Being prepared for declining health and the consequences of aging should be a crucial part of your overall retirement plan. People need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs.
Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.
The solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will protect your income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our four guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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