Helping aged care talk about incontinence
Twenty seven new web pages, each in a different language, have been set up by the Continence Foundation of Australia to help health professionals and their non-English speaking clients better communicate about incontinence.
Each of the web pages is bilingual so health professionals can read the content along with their patients.
Each has links to 17 downloadable bilingual factsheets on some of the most common incontinence issues, such as bedwetting, prostate, pelvic floor, pregnancy and bowel control.
One in four Australians over the age of 15 years is affected by some form of incontinence, and most won’t discuss the issue with anyone – not even their doctor.
Among some ethnic groups, the stigma and shame associated with incontinence is even more pronounced, and the 27 bilingual webpages developed by the Continence Foundation may help dispel some of the myths around incontinence and raise awareness of the many supports and services available.
According to Barry Cahill, Continence Foundation of Australia’s chief executive, incontinence is a major issue in residential care, with about 77% of residents affected by some form of incontinence.
“For residents who don’t speak English, you can imagine how difficult it must be to have a continence assessment done, which is often the first step in a continence treatment plan,” Mr Cahill says.
“Our translation resources, we hope, will empower non-English speaking residents and ensure they receive the same treatment and access to information as other residents.”
In some cultures the stigma surrounding incontinence can be rooted in such things as a loss of control or weakness, uncleanliness, social exclusion and even impotence.
Some cultures view incontinence as a neurological or senile disorder. Continence health professionals find that in some cases, non-English speaking clients won’t get help because they don’t want to discuss their problems with family members who they may rely upon as interpreters.
For more support, call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66, which is staffed by continence nurse advisors who provide advice, referrals and resources to the public and health professionals.
Non-English speaking patients can access an interpreter beforehand through the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450.
The Continence Foundation of Australia is the peak national organisation working to improve the quality of life of all Australians affected by incontinence.
