Incontinence physiotherapy

[cwaxman18]

This post focuses on the role for physiotherapy in the management of residents who are incontinent of bowel and/or bladder. A facility manager has asked a clinician for them to produce a document that the facility could post on the wall outlining steps a resident could take to help self-manage their continence issues. As it is clear that there is a role for physiotherapy but not a clear definition of OUR role as Vivir clinicians with continence management, please find attached an information sheet that briefly outlines '5 steps to a healthy bladder and bowel' as well as a description of the role and potential treatment strategies that incontinence physiotherapists may have in managing bladder and bowel incontinence.

In summary, if any resident raises any concerns with you regarding incontinence then you are best to direct them initially to the nursing staff. If nursing staff or doctors approach you seeking your advice on continence management then please refer them on to the National Continence Helpline * on (Freecall) 1800 33 00 66. They will be able to speak to a continence nurse who will be able to assist them with their inquiry. 

* The National Continence Helpline is a free telephone advisory service funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.  This service is available to anyone residing within Australia, and may be accessed from Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 8.00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

The National Continence Helpline is staffed by a team of continence nurse advisors who provide information, education and advice to callers with incontinence or who are caring for someone with incontinence. The Helpline also provides information and advice to health professionals.

Common topics covered by the Helpline include:

• pregnancy (pre and post natal)
• prostate
• bedwetting
• chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, overweight and obesity, MS, Parkinsons disease, etc.)
• funding schemes, and
• products.

The Helpline also provides information about:

• the assessment and diagnosis of incontinence
• treatment options
• management advice, including product information and advice
• information about funding schemes to assist people to offset some of the costs associated with continence products
• details of local continence service providers, product suppliers and product manufacturers
• details of related funding schemes such as the Australian Government's Carer's Allowance, and
• access to a wide range of free information brochures, including brochures in languages other than English.