Continence carers cut to core

THE Continence Foundation of Australia recently launched a national campaign during World Continence Week (22-28 June) to better support family and friend carers dealing with the added challenge of caring for someone who is incontinent.
‘Tell someone who cares’ encourages carers to reach out for support, particularly given research shows that carers looking after people who have severe incontinence are twice as likely to report a stress-related illness than other carers.
Continence Foundation of Australia chief executive Barry Cahill says many carers can feel overwhelmed by their situation and often struggle in silence, unaware of the support available to them.
“Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid friend and family carers perform a vital task for society, often facing the extra challenge of assisting those with incontinence, with little or no support,” Mr Cahill said.
“For carers looking after people with a disability or dementia, incontinence can become the tipping point for admitting their loved ones into a residential care facility.
“If we want people to be cared for in their own homes longer, then carers need to be better supported through resources and education, preparing people for the challenges they face and reassuring them help is available.”
Mr Cahill said primary carers who assisted people with severe incontinence often felt stressed and isolated and reported strained relationships with those they care for.
“It is therefore vitally important that they seek support and advice. These new resources not only provide practical advice, but also outline the available support services, including the National Continence Helpline, which can assist with information and referrals to health and support services throughout Australia,” Mr Cahill said.
The campaign, supported by Carers Australia, which has been developed in consultation with Carers Australia, includes new resources for carers, comprising a carer guidebook with practical tips and information on continence management, and dedicated web pages with resources and short videos by continence experts.
Carers Australia’s chief executive Ara Cresswell said she was delighted that the Continence Foundation of Australia had undertaken this important work for carers.
“Providing unpaid family and friend carers with information and practical advice can be vital to ensuring the sustainability of the caring relationship and to the health and well-being of both the carer, and the person they care for,” Ms Cresswell said.
The National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) is staffed 8am-8pm Monday to Friday by continence nurse advisors who provide advice, referrals and resources to consumers and health professionals.
Further information is also available at continence.org.au.