Continence resources give carers knowledge, support
Community care workers and family carers are being encouraged to access a suite of free resources providing latest information on prevention and treatment of incontinence.
Community care workers and family carers are being encouraged to access a suite of free resources providing latest information on prevention and treatment of incontinence.
The resources have been produced by the Continence Foundation of Australia and are being promoted ahead of World Continence Week next month.
Incontinence affects 4.8 million Australian adults.
But a recent national survey of 1,000 women with bladder leakage found that 72 per cent “laughed it off” when talking to other women about the issue.
Alarmingly, 85 per cent of these women mistakenly attributed their bladder leakage to ageing or having children, with 45 per cent not seeking treatment because they didn’t consider it a serious enough health issue.
Continence Foundation CEO Rowan Cockerell said care workers were critical for raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of incontinence.
It was increasingly important for healthcare professionals and care workers to understand continence-related issues and be able to confidently discuss the causes, options and treatments with clients.
Resources for care workers
The foundation’s wide range of information resources for carers and professionals is accessible on its website (access them here) or by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
Healthcare workers can also speak with continence nurse advisors on the helpline for clinical advice, information and resources week days from 8am to 8pm AEST.
The service is also available to consumers, and non-English speaking patients can access an interpreter on 131 450.
Care workers can also download or order posters promoting the theme for World Continence Week by phoning 1800 33 00 66 or visiting the CFA website.
The foundation has also developed a number of accredited courses to support frontline care workers and other community care staff. These include a certificate II and a graduate certificate (access courses here).