224 Supporting Individuals to Manage Continence

224 Support Individuals to manage continence

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      1.1 Incontinence sufferers have been known to lose self-esteem and confidence and even withdraw from their usual circle of friends and family. The fear of being found out can make an individual feel ashamed of their condition. These feelings as a whole can impact negatively on an individual’s life. If the continence is due to a urinary infection, this could cause intimacy issues, leading to fear of rejection from a spouse. Family outings or sports activities may be affected due to fear of leakage or concerns about incontinence products being noticed by others.
      1.2 Some common causes of difficulties with continence are;
  * Hysterectomy
  * Painful Bladder Syndrome
  * Enlarged Prostrate
  * Bladder Cancer
  * Bladder Stones
  * Aging
  * Pregnancy and Childbirth
  * Prostatitis
      1.3 An individual’s personal beliefs and values may affect the management of continence. It may be that an individual’s values and beliefs will lead them to request clinical procedures which others may feel are not in their best interests. It may also be the case that they will refuse treatment which will greatly benefit them. Modesty is greatly valued in some religions and cultures which must be taken into consideration when caring for an individual.
      1.4 Active participation is a way of working that recognises an individual’s right to choose. This will help when working towards maintaining privacy and dignity. Giving an individual the right to participate and become an active partner in their own care will enable them to maintain their own privacy. There are several points that must been taken into consideration when putting together a care plan for continence. Keep service users covered up whenever possible; avoid entering a room while other staffs are carrying out personal care. If it is unavoidable, knock and wait. Ensure that items others may need to access are not stored in rooms where...