government
Aging Untold: What caregivers should know about bowel incontinence in dementia care
By LeAnne Gendreau at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
(Aging Untold) — On this episode of Aging Untold, we take a closer look at managing incontinence with dignity and respect, including when it’s time to talk to a doctor and how to ease the stigma. Plus, the environmental benefits of green burials and what families should know. Then, hop aboard a m...
Key takeaway Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Davidson County, where Nashville is located, caregivers for individuals with dementia face unique challenges, including managing bowel incontinence with dignity and respect. Local caregivers should be aware that bowel incontinence in dementia patients is a result of brain damage, not a choice, and responding with correction or shame is not effective. Instead, understanding the underlying cause and creating a schedule and making small modifications can help alleviate discomfort and improve care. As the city's population ages, it's crucial for local healthcare providers and support services to prioritize education and resources on dementia care, including managing bowel incontinence. By doing so, Nashville can better support its caregivers and individuals living with dementia, ensuring they receive the respect and dignity they deserve. This issue also highlights the need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare services in the community, which can help address the complex needs of dementia patients and their caregivers.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — On this episode of Aging Untold, we take a closer look at managing incontinence with dignity and respect, including when it’s time to talk to a doctor and how to ease the stigma. Plus, the environmental benefits of green burials and what families should know. Then, hop aboard a m...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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