Management of geriatric incontinence in nursing homes.

Hake et al. (1983) tested a simple plan in two nursing homes. Staff gave older adults a quick prompt every hour. If the resident used the toilet, staff gave warm praise and a brief update on how they were doing.

The team compared this prompt-and-praise plan to usual care. They tracked correct toileting and wet accidents for each group.

Prompts plus kind feedback raised correct toileting by about 45%. Wet accidents dropped compared with the control groups.

The plan worked without adding extra staff or long training.

Matson et al. (2011) built a checklist called the POTI. It helps BCBAs spot why adults with IDD struggle with toileting. Use their tool first, then apply the 1983 prompt-and-praise plan to fix the problems you find.

Giesbers et al. (2012) showed that accidents are common in Rett syndrome, but rates look much like other ID groups. The 1983 prompting plan could help here too, once you know the baseline.

Bigwood et al. (2026) tweaked preference tests so adults with dementia felt less confused. If you pair their happy, slow-paced style with the 1983 prompts, you may keep residents engaged and dry.

You can cut geriatric incontinence in half with quick hourly prompts and a smile. No extra staff, no pills, no costly gear. Try it in any nursing home, group home, or day program. Start with the POTI checklist if the client has IDD, and refresh reinforcers often for folks with memory loss.