It is the most commonly seen problem facing carers, both in hospitals and in the community, yet it is probably the most misunderstood and hence mismanged condition.

Essentially it is indeed a nursing problem and often nurses accept it as an inevitability in the elderly. In fact this is not so. Research shows us that this can be a problem for all age groups, and that carers are in a unique position to positively promote continence. By understanding the individual problem, adopting a sensitive and caring approach, and working together with the sufferer it is possible to greatly enhance the quality of life, thereby alleviating shame and embarrassment.

A Carer can make her patient relatively comfortable by providing pads and pants to manage the incontinence. With understanding and careful management many patients can achieve partial or total continence which will  inevitably lead to a more comfortable lifestyle.

It is essential for detailed assessment of all sufferers to be carried out individually, incorporating a detailed medical history and frequency-volume chart in order to establish a clear idea of the patients voiding pattern. This can greatly aid the intial diagnosis so that the type of incontinence is dealt with.