Ontex

Excellence in Continence Care: A Guide for Care Professionals

Continence care is essential for maintaining dignity, comfort, and quality of life for individuals in care settings. As a care professional, the role in providing effective continence care is fundamental. It empowers individuals to maintain their dignity and comfort while also helping the care workforce reduce preventable time wastage.

Care England has collaborated with Ontex, experts in continence care, to support care providers and improve national standards. Ontex's team of qualified Nurse Advisors takes a holistic approach, recognising that each person's needs are unique. They offer a variety of free resources and an On Demand portal to promote excellent care. This guide focuses on five key points to ensure high standards in continence care:

1. Assessment and Individualized Care Plans:

A comprehensive continence assessment is the foundation of effective care. It involves gathering detailed information about health status, bladder and bowel habits, medications, and lifestyle. This assessment should be completed by a continence nurse or suitably qualified healthcare professional. Once complete, an individualized care plan can be created, focusing on realistic goals, specific interventions, and regular monitoring and review.

2. Maintaining Dignity and Respect:

Maintaining dignity is paramount in continence care. Approach the subject with sensitivity and respect, understanding the potential embarrassment or shame an individual may feel. Practical tips include ensuring privacy during assessments and care activities, using respectful language, involving individuals in their care decisions, demonstrating empathy, and respecting cultural and personal preferences.

3. Promoting Bladder and Bowel Health: Encouraging healthy habits supports bladder and bowel health, potentially reducing the impact and severity of incontinence. This includes adequate hydration, limiting caffeine, a balanced diet rich in fiber, regular toileting schedules, physical activity, and pelvic floor exercises if appropriate.

4. Appropriate Use of Continence Products: Selecting the right products is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Consider the individual's level of incontinence, size, mobility, and skin condition. Ensure products are fitted correctly and used discreetly to maintain dignity. Cost-effectiveness should also be considered without compromising quality.

5. Ongoing Training and Support: Continual education is essential to maintain high standards in continence care. Regular training sessions and updates on best practices ensure care professionals are wellequipped to provide excellent care. Ontex offers free RCN-accredited online training through the Ontex Academy, covering general continence care topics.

Providing excellence in continence care requires a multifaceted approach that includes thorough assessment, respect for dignity, appropriate use of products, promotion of health, and continuous education and communication. A care professionals’ dedication to these principles significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals, ensuring they receive the compassionate and effective support they deserve.

For more information, assessment templates, and access to more resources or to discuss continence provision and support, please contact marketing.uk@ontexglobal.com