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Managing continence - help for families, friends and carers
There are many causes of poor bladder or bowel control. It can be a problem for everyone involved including family members, friends and those caring for the person.
Being a carer is always demanding and caring for someone with bladder or bowel problems can add additional pressure. Most carers will admit they need support and practical ideas to help manage bladder and bowel control problems day-to-day.
Is someone you are caring for suffering from incontinence? It is important that you seek help from a health professional with continence expertise because the condition can so often be improved and better managed.
Read more: What is incontinence?
Useful Contacts:
National Continence Helpline
The National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 is staffed by qualified continence nurse advisors who provide prompt, confidential expert advice to health professionals and members of the public. Helpline staff can provide information about continence products, national and state government continence subsidy schemes and arrange for continence information resources to be sent to callers. Information is also available about continence services in your local area including:- continence clinics
- community nursing services
- hospital and outpatient clinics
- community therapy clinics
- continence physiotherapists
- medical specialists
- state continence resources centers
- support groups
- indigenous services
- independent living centers
- financial support schemes
Bladder and Bowel Health Website
The Australian Government’s Bladder and Bowel website www.bladderbowel.gov.au promotes bladder and bowel health and provides information for people affected by incontinence, their families and carers, as well as to health professionals, service providers and researchers on the prevention, management and treatment of bladder and bowel problems. Access to continence information resources and information on the Australian Government’s Continence Aids Payment Scheme is also available.The National Public Toilet Map Website
This interactive website www.toiletmap.gov.au provides information on the location of public and private toilet facilities across Australia. Details of toilet facilities can be found along major travel routes and also for shorter journeys. Useful information is provided about each toilet such as location, opening hours, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets. The map can assist carers in planning an outing or longer trips.Continence Aids Payment Scheme
For more information about the Continence Aids Payment Scheme visit www.bladderbowel.gov.auInformation for carers
There are Carers Associations in each state and territory that can provide carers with information, advice and referral to services, which can assist the carer in their role. Information is available on a wide range of topics, including home help, carers support groups, financial entitlements, support services, respite and general assistance. Contact 1800 200 422 for information.Read more: Caring for someone with continence problems