Continence appliances enable people to be independent in managing their bowel and bladder needs. Such appliances can include:
- incontinence pads
- bed and chair pads
- disposable underwear
- absorbent underwear
- urodomes or catheters.
(Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Within the workplace, consideration should be given to the provision of suitable bathroom facilities to enable a person with continence issues to manage their toilet hygiene independently. If continence appliances are not required but an individual is unable to use a toilet, alternatives in the form of hand held urinals and commodes are available. In some situations, personal care attendants are used for people within the workplace to assist with high care toileting needs.
If continence issues arise, a continence assessment can be sought from a continence nurse advisor to ensure recommendation of the most appropriate appliance or product to manage toileting independently.
There are various government funded projects that assist with the costs incurred with managing incontinence. These vary from state to state and require the individual to meet eligibility criteria (Continence Foundation of Australia (no date specified)).
References:
Continence Foundation of Australia (no date specified), Funding Schemes, Continence Foundation of Australia, Melbourne, viewed 7 April 2008, <http://www.continence.org.au/funding_schemes.html>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Continence Products, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 April 2008, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search2.asp?State=NSW&MC=13>.
Related Links
Toilet modifications
Toileting aids and appliances