Continence Management

Few people talk openly about it, yet over 1 million Australians, both men and women, suffer with urinary incontinence. Many more have bladder or bowel problems that go unreported.

Around 84% of Australians living in residential care facilities with high care needs have some form of incontinence, often at great personal cost to each individual.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction are a problem for many people living in the community. This can be extremely embarrassing, to the extent that lifestyles are changed, often leading to social isolation. People most likely to be at risk are people who have diabetes, Parkinson's disease, have suffered a stroke or have mobility issues.

As part of Resthaven's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older people, specialist Continence Nurse Advisers work with clients across the organisation, both in residential care and through Continence Clinics in Resthaven's therapy services at Elizabeth, Paradise and Marion. Continence Clinics also offer continence support to older people living in the community.

The Continence Nurse Adviser is available to see any person aged 60 years and over who may present at the clinic or a doctor's surgery with symptoms of occasional leakage, dribbling post void, frequency, urgency, nocturia and constipation. Although not essential, a doctor's referral is welcomed.

Continence Nurse Advisors provide services including comprehensive assessment, education, advice on healthy living habits, individualised programs, planning, advice on suitable aids for people who have problems with bowel or bladder control. They take a history from the client and provide a comprehensive assessment, which will determine the type and severity of incontinence and develop an individual plan of treatment.

This is a discreet and confidential service. There is no need for a referral; just call:

Marion Community Services - 8296 4042
Northern Community Services - 8252 6811
Paradise & Eastern Community Services - 8337 4371

If you are a carer, did you know you may gain assistance through the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme for products to support the person you are caring for? For more information, go to: www.bladderbowel.gov.au

National Award Winning Continence Management Program
Resthaven Incorporated is committed to maximising the quality of life for all clients and is recognised nationally for developing individualised continence management programs for those residing in aged care facilities with incontinence. In 1997, Resthaven was awarded the Aged Care Australia Organisations' Award for the development of an innovative resource manual Quality Continence Management - A Resource for Carers. This manual was designed to assist in developing continence management programs. Subsequently, a continence handbook was produced to offer practical advice for people working with clients with continence problems.

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