Reuters has an excellent article on the effects of incontinence on caregivers based upon a survey conducted by Tena, a leading manufacturer of incontinence products. If you are caring for a loved one who suffers from incontinence this article will seem familiar to you but will also provide you with some constructive steps to take to ease the burden. Some excerpts from the article appear below, for the full article go here.

Incontinence in a parent, grandparent or spouse has a significant emotional impact on a
caregiver's life, according to a survey released today by Caring.com and SCA,
the makers of TENA® (www.tena.us). The survey reveals that while seventy
percent report incontinence as an ongoing issue with their loved ones,
caregivers are largely uncertain how to help make the situation better, or
even talk about it. In fact, one in three prefer to avoid the conversation
altogether.

The research from Caring.com, a leading online destination for people caring
for aging relatives, and TENA®, the worldwide leader in the management of
bladder protection, found incontinence to be a widespread issue among adults
caring for aging loved ones. More than 25 million adults are affected by
incontinence in the United States today, a number that is projected to
increase as the baby boomer population ages.

"Sixty-five percent of Caring.com members are dealing with incontinence in a
parent, grandparent or spouse. It's a sensitive subject for both the caregiver
and the person they're caring for, ranking among the most difficult
conversations people caring for aging parents are faced with, such as taking
away the car keys and discussing finances," said Andy Cohen, co-founder and
CEO, Caring.com. "Caring.com can help make discussions about adult
incontinence less stressful by knowing what not to say and providing
supportive alternatives on how to talk to your loved one."

Managing a Loved One's Incontinence Takes an Emotional Toll

There is unexpected stress associated with incontinence issues and often the
emotional aspect is just as hard as, or sometimes worse than, the physical
aspects of caring for a loved one. The study found that incontinence can have
a negative effect on a caregiver's emotional wellbeing and influence home care
and nursing home decisions:
    --  42% report dealing with their loved one's incontinence sometimes leads
        to depression;
    --  32% find it emotionally difficult to change their loved one's
        incontinence products;
    --  27% report incontinence has a negative impact on the relationship they
        have with their loved one;
    --  31% are unable to go on vacation because of their loved one's
        incontinence issues; and

    --  18% have considered moving, or have moved their parent to a care
        facility or nursing home because of incontinence.

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There is an excellent article in US News and World Report about living with incontinence with an emphasis on seeking prevention treatments where possible. Kegel exercises are also discussed. Most importantly, it talks about not ignoring the problem. Here is the link.