Urinary Catheter Care at Home: A Practical Guide for Families

Basic daily care

A urinary catheter needs regular, careful attention to reduce the risk of infection and keep the patient comfortable:

• Keep the area around the catheter clean, as instructed by the doctor or nurse
• Make sure the drainage bag stays below the level of the bladder at all times
• Avoid pulling or tugging on the tube, especially when moving the patient
• Empty the drainage bag regularly rather than letting it overfill

Warning signs that need prompt attention

Contact the treating doctor if you notice:

• Blood in the urine, or urine that looks unusually cloudy or foul-smelling
• Little to no urine draining over several hours
• Fever, chills, or pain around the lower abdomen
• Leakage around the catheter site

When the catheter needs changing

Catheters are typically changed on a schedule set by the doctor, or sooner if there's a blockage or infection. This should always be done by a trained professional — never attempt to reinsert or adjust a catheter yourself.

Supporting the patient's comfort and dignity

Living with a catheter can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing for patients. Simple things — loose clothing, privacy during care, and a calm, matter-of-fact approach from caregivers — make a real difference to how a patient copes.

How RUSHIVA can help

We arrange urinary catheter insertion and related care at home, carried out by trained personnel. If your family needs support managing a catheter at home, reach out through the enquiry form below.