Unit 4222-224

Unit 4222-224 Support Individuals to manage continence
Outcome 1
Difficulties with continence can affect an individual in many ways. One of the ways it can affect an individual is their self-esteem. An individual may become withdrawn or appear to be low. It can also affect their health and day to day activities. The fear of being found out can make an individual fell ashamed of their condition. These feelings alone can impact negatively on and individuals life.
Family outings or sports activities may be affected due to the fear of incontinence accidents or products being noticed by others. If incontinence issues are due to a urinary tract infection, this could cause intimacy issues and a fear of rejection from a spouse.
Common causes of difficulties with continence are:
  * Aging
  * Painful bladder syndrome
  * Bladder cancer
  * Bladder stones
  * Hysterectomy
  * Enlarged prostate

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 could greatly benefit them.
Modesty is a big thing in a lot of religions and cultures which must be taken into consideration when caring for any individual.
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 and will enable them to maintain their own privacy. There are several points that must be taken into consideration when putting together a care plan for continence. Keep service users covered up where ever possible, avoid entering a room while other staff are carrying out intimate and personal care. If it is unavoidable, knock and wait. Ensure that items others may...