Functional causes
Psychological, physical, and environmental
causes may prevent an elderly person from
voiding urine normally. Delirium, dementia,
and psychosis can interfere with a patient’s
ability to understand the sensation of bladder
fullness and find the toilet/commode. A
severely depressed patient may lack the
motivation to find a suitable place for voiding.
Delirium is a common cause of incontinence
in hospitalised patients. Frailty, injury, illness,
or surgery can also render many elderly
patients immobile. Lack of easy access to
toilets or prompt help are environmental
causes of incontinence