Incontinence, often described as bladder and / or bowel problems, can be difficult to talk about. There are many causes of incontinence. Our Clinical Nurse Consultant will perform an in-home or telehealth comprehensive clinical assessment, provide lifestyle recommendations, product recommendations and product quotes.
The aim of a continence assessment is to determine the cause of incontinence, rectify some conditions through medication or training, and ensure that incontinence is managed appropriately to allow you to live your life. This may involve lifestyle changes and product purchases.
A continence assessment involves completing a bowel and bladder diary over a minimum of 3 days prior to a home visit by the Clinical Nurse Consultant. At the booked home visit, which generally requires about 1.5 hours, the nurse will ask a series of questions to take a complete history including details about disability, health, medication, other specialists and allied health professionals involved, perform a urine test, abdominal examination (if appropriate) and complete a functional assessment as it relates to toileting ability and continence. Samples of many washable products, disposable aids and skin care are provided or arranged to be delivered to your home in the days after the home visit. The discussion includes suggestions and recommendations for lifestyle and products to promote continence and / or manage incontinence. This information is compiled into a report along with a quote to supply the agreed products. A regular service to manage catheter changes and continence reviews can also be arranged.
Children with a disability require interventions that allow them to attend school and have the support they require at home and at school. Melanie is able to provide toilet training guidance for children with several types of disability including Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Downs Syndrome. Continence care plans can be supplied to parents to present at school for guidance to support workers and teachers regarding the child’s toileting needs and routines.
Easy to read reports and product quotes have proven invaluable for many participants, their family, support coordinators and NDIS planners. The one on one assessment allows participants and their carers to speak frankly and openly to a clinician who understands their problem and can offer real advice that enhances quality of life.
There are many products on the market for incontinence. Having a clinical justification and accurate quote to include in your NDIS funding can make this most basic need easily met. Having continence under control means you can get on with the rest of your day with confidence.
Support workers and carers can access training to assist participants with their continence needs and the products they need.