Incontinence is a highly distressing and stigmatising condition that affects many people living with dementia. Up to 38% of people with a diagnosis of dementia experience incontinence of urine and up to 27% experience faecal incontinence. These rates increase significantly for people with dementia residing in aged care homes, where up to 90% need help to maintain continence or to manage incontinence.

The highly personal and sensitive nature of incontinence makes the task of caring for anyone with incontinence challenging, particularly if the person with dementia does not understand or appreciate the nature of the care.

Incontinence and dementia are the top two contributing factors to the decision to seek formal care in an aged care home, but incontinence is no less challenging to manage in this setting.

NARI’s research program on continence care is designed to help carers of people living with dementia and incontinence cope with the physical, psychological and psychosocial aspects of incontinence.

With funding from the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, NARI’s research study titled “Dignity in continence care in people with dementia and incontinence: Translating principles that protect dignity” involves designing and evaluating a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to support carers.

The free online MOOC titled Caregiving, Dementia and Incontinence was developed after consulting with carers and people living with dementia. It aims to optimise safety, respect and dignity for both carers and people living with dementia.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2023. If you have any queries about the project, or would like to participate, please contact Dr Jessica Cecil – [email protected]