Continence is an area of aged care often ignored in research and can be a major factor in diminishing dignity and stigmatising individuals

NARI researchers are developing a model of continence care that puts the needs and dignity of residents at its centre. Most people in residential aged care have continence care needs; however, too often these are not met.

NARI Aged Care Research Program Director Dr Joan Ostaszkiewcz is a leading researcher in this field and is undertaking to develop a best-practice model of continence care. It will provide guidance about care that is person centred, meets residents’ individual needs, is safe, protects dignity and optimises a person’s functional abilities.

"The way staff deal with continence is very important. It is critical they know and feel equipped to care for residents in ways that protect their dignity."

"A lot of evidence given to the Royal Commission into Aged Care was about lack of response to timely toilet assistance, and its terrible impact on people. You can’t die from indignity but you can feel very demoralised and it can cause depression," says Dr Ostaszkiewcz.

"The way staff deal with continence is very important. It is critical they know and feel equipped to care for residents in ways that protect their dignity. It’s not something that is innate, and there is no education for staff about this," she says.

Dr Ostaszkiewcz is also leading research to identify good and bad practice in continence care, and to deliver an education program for aged care staff about ways to protect residents’ dignity.

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