Information for carers to support individuals with a physical or mental health illness to maintain a healthy bladder and bowel.
The way we stay continent is a very complex function that allows us to voluntarily postpone passing urine or having our bowels opened until we are at the appropriate place.
The skill is something that can be affected by individuals with a physical or mental illness. It may happen just occasionally or, as the illness progresses, more frequently. It is very important to understand that it may be due to a treatable condition, so the first thing to do is discuss it with a health care professional.
Urinary (water) tract infection. Some people may complain of pain or burning when passing urine or may show an expression of pain (if they have a speech difficulty). You or the person may notice that their urine looks cloudy or smells. Sometimes an infection can be present without specific symptoms.
Prostate gland trouble in men (frequency to pass urine or poor flow). Your GP will be able to assess if this is a problem and advise about treatment.
The side effects of some medication. Unfortunately some medications do affect how the bladder and bowel work. It is always advisable to discuss this with the doctor or nurse.
Severe constipation may cause urinary incontinence through pressure on the bladder, smelly motion can lead round the hard stool which is blocking the bowel, this can appear like diarrhoea. Seek medical advice if this happens.
Sadly, when people become forgetful this may also mean thy gradually lose the memory of what to do in the toilet or even where the toilet is. Advice can be given to help you manage these circumstances.
It is important to try and help this person keep their independence for as long as possible.
- Aids and adaptations to make using the toilet easier
- Advice about clothing so that the person can get quick access to themselves in the toilet (Velcro rather than zips or buttons)
- Advice about diet and fluids to keep bowels healthy
- Advice about hygiene
- Advice about mobility
- Advice about containment products to help manage any wetness and protect skin, ensuring comfort
- Maintaining privacy and dignity
- Listening to your worries, suggesting ideas and working with you.
Get to know the toilet routine of the person you care for, this may seem a strange and very personal thing to suggest but usually our bladder and bowel actions have some pattern to them.
Helpful organisations
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It may be worthwhile noting when the person is most likely to go to the toilet. You can help if by reminding them to go to the toilet at the times when you know they are most likely to go. Keep this as a regular routine.
It may be that the person finds it difficult to verbally let you know they need to use a toilet. If this is the case you will need to become aware of the other signs such as fidgeting, wandering, or pulling at clothing and suggest they use the toilet.
Make sure they drink enough throughout the day, to keep the bladder and bowels healthy. People can forget to drink or be reluctant to. Your nurse or GP can help.