Supporting individuals to manage continence
Supporting individuals to manage continence
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If you are concerned about an individual’s continence or they express a concern to you, it is recommended that they see a doctor or continence specialist to have their continence assessed.
If you are concerned about an individual’s continence or they express a concern to you, it is recommended that they see a doctor or continence specialist to have their continence assessed.
This will result in a treatment or management plan that you can support them to follow. You may need to instigate some sensitive discussions with the individual, particularly if they are not aware that they are experiencing difficulties, if they are in denial or if there are potential religious or cultural reasons.
It takes a lot of care, compassion and a dignified approach to encourage an individual to share information about themselves and incontinence. There are often complications that are deeply rooted in childhood and school experiences.
However much we should tackle the taboo of poo (or wee), it is not easy. If you are concerned about the risk of harm, seek support, particularly if you do not feel confident to discuss this with the individual
An NHS poster has been designed to show how to identify constipation in people with a learning disability
An NHS poster has been designed to show how to identify constipation in people with a learning disability
It advises the following as good toilet habits...
Encourage regular habits.
Encourage regular habits.
Suggest they raise their feet
Suggest they raise their feet
Raise the feet onto a low stool as this relaxes the pubo-rectalis muscle and facilitates complete emptying of the rectum.
Abdominal massage
Abdominal massage
An NHS publication provides guidance on abdominal massage to help relieve constipation.
This is a link to the NHS Self-abdominal massage information.
Balance privacy with risk
Balance privacy with risk
The NHS state, "While privacy is important, don’t allow this to put someone at risk" It is more important to be able to keep an accurate bowel chart.
This is a link to full NHS Poo Matters information.
You may also be interested in the NHS “Excellence in Continence Care” guide for commissioners and leaders in health and social care (access via this link).
Before speaking to a doctor, it is useful to capture some data to help inform the treatment or management plan.
With a good level of knowledge about bladder and bowel health, you can support individuals to understand the lifestyle choices that will improve any challenges they are experiencing.
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