How continence difficulties can affect an individual
How continence difficulties can affect an individual
Embedded Files
Imagine not being able to go out until you have checked where all the toilets are. Always needing to keep spare pants and a clean up bag in case of accidents.
This can often mean choices about normal daily activities are limited. Some people become reclusive and do not go out at all.
Incontinence can have a serious impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Studies have identified that incontinence can have an impact on different aspects of life.
Click each of these pictures to see what they are...
Physical activities
Social activities
Independence
Relationships
Emotions
Sexual Activity
Sleep
Employment
In older people, incontinence and associated bladder and bowel disorders may also be associated with physical problems, such as:
In older people, incontinence and associated bladder and bowel disorders may also be associated with physical problems, such as:
Skin breakdown
Falls
Urine infection and catheter associated urinary tract infection which in turn often causes confusion. Confusion can result in falls, head injury or femur fractures requiring an acute hospital admission.
Ultimately, these can also lead to anxiety, isolation and depression.
Ultimately, these can also lead to anxiety, isolation and depression.
For most people, having an episode of incontinence in a public place or in front of other people is incredibly embarrassing.
It is not uncommon for people to attempt to cope with incontinence through denial, by minimising the issue, keeping the issue a secret and avoiding risky activities and situations
6.5 years is the average time period that women will wait, from the first time they experience symptoms until they obtain a diagnosis, for a bladder control problem.
Women often wait because they are too embarrassed to do anything about it or because they believe it is a normal part of childbirth or ageing.
Women often wait because they are too embarrassed to do anything about it or because they believe it is a normal part of childbirth or ageing.
They are also often unaware that there are treatments available to cure or manage incontinence
Religious and cultural practices can also have an effect on the way incontinence is managed.
Religious and cultural practices can also have an effect on the way incontinence is managed.
For example, some people feel they are committing a sin by being incontinent. This could be due to cleanliness needed for prayer. Religious and cultural practices can impact the choices made by the individuals you support. Being aware of this will enable you to identify if there are challenges that may need a more sensitive approach.
It is important that incontinence is recognised as a valid medical disorder.
It is important that incontinence is recognised as a valid medical disorder.
Reports confirm a significant number of individuals report the challenges they experience to healthcare workers to then be told that nothing can be done or that it is normal with aging.
It is essential that we all learn more about incontinence and support people to get help which can result in a dramatic improvement to the condition and their quality of life.
A sensitive and caring reaction is important to episodes of incontinence.
A sensitive and caring reaction is important to episodes of incontinence.
Unless there are behavioural issues, incontinence is not something that individuals do `on purpose`. A person who has been chastised for being incontinent may not drink or eat thinking that this will help the situation. This will make the situation worse.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse