‘Every interaction is an opportunity to uphold or diminish a person’s dignity’ — Dr Joan Ostaszkiewicz
Ensuring dignified and effective continence care is paramount in residential aged care settings. Reports, such as those presented to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, have highlighted a significant gap between community expectations and the reality of continence management within Australian aged care homes. Addressing incontinence and promoting continence for elderly residents is not just a matter of hygiene; it is fundamental to their overall health, well-being, and dignity.
Statistics reveal the scale of the challenge:
- A substantial 73% of aged care residents experience urinary incontinence.
- Over half, 54%, are affected by faecal incontinence.
- Constipation further complicates matters, impacting between 23% and 71% of residents.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the Continence Foundation of Australia commissioned the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) to develop and pilot a best practice model for continence care in residential aged care. This initiative resulted in The Best Practice Model of Continence Care in Residential Aged Care, a framework defining quality continence care through ten core principles. These principles are designed to ensure that continence care:
- Is person-centred, emphasizing supported shared decision-making with residents.
- Is clinically informed, guided by thorough and evidence-based assessment processes.
- Is grounded in the best available research and clinical evidence.
- Prioritizes and actively protects each resident’s dignity throughout all interactions.
- Aims to optimize a resident’s functional abilities and promote independence where possible.
- Is delivered in a timely and responsive manner to meet individual needs.
- Is inclusive and respectful of a resident’s diverse cultural background, identity, and life experiences.
- Is delivered safely, minimizing risks and ensuring resident well-being.
- Is provided by a workforce that is appropriately trained, skilled, and knowledgeable in continence care.
- Is adequately resourced to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.
Download the Best Practice Model of Continence Care in Residential Aged Care
The Continence Foundation of Australia has translated this comprehensive model into Continence SMART Care, a practical resource designed to be:
- Person-centred in its approach to care delivery.
- Evidence-based, reflecting the latest research and best practices in continence management.
- Aligned with the expectations of residents and their families, ensuring their needs are met.
- Supportive for aged care providers in meeting and exceeding the Aged Care Quality Standards.
The research team behind this model has been recognized for their work, receiving the Barry Cahill Travel Scholarship in 2022 for their insights into aged care residents’ preferences for continence care. They also received a Best in Category Prize in Geriatrics/Gerontology at the International Continence Society in 2021, further validating the significance and impact of their best practice model.
NARI gratefully acknowledges the Continence Foundation of Australia for their funding and the invaluable contributions of the Project Advisory Group and expert advisors. This collaborative effort, guided by Dr Susan Hunt, included individuals with lived experience, representatives from key organizations, and ensured the model is robust, practical, and truly person-centered.
For further information about implementing dignified continence care and accessing practical Continence Tools For Residential Aged Care, please explore the Continence SMART Care resources on the Foundation’s website: Continence SMART Care.
For inquiries, contact:
NARI: Dr Joan Ostaszkiewicz
Continence Foundation of Australia: Continence Foundation of Australia
