How to change a urinary catheter for the elderly

When an elderly person is unable to urinate independently, a catheter is needed to assist with urination. Changing the catheter for an elderly individual should be performed under professional guidance. Taking males as an example, the specific procedure is as follows:

1. Position the elderly person lying flat on the bed. After putting on sterile gloves, the operator uses one hand to support the penis and the other hand to gently and slowly remove the original catheter.

2. After removing the catheter, use sterile gauze to clean the urethral opening. Then open the outer packaging of the new catheter and connect the distal end of the catheter to the urine collection bag.

3. With the left hand, lift the elderly person's penis upward toward the abdomen. Use the left thumb to gently press down on the glans penis to expose the urethral opening.

4. With the right hand, align the tip of the catheter with the urethral opening and gently insert it slowly into the urethra. Upon encountering resistance, angle the catheter connector downward along with the penis and continue inserting until reaching the bladder.

5. Once the bladder is reached, urine will begin to flow from the catheter. Insert the catheter a few more centimeters and then stop.

After the procedure, patients should drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and maintain a light diet.