Hi my name is Janine and I work as a continence nurse advisor on the National Continence Helpline.
The aim of this video is to inform staff on health telephone services
about the role of the National Continence Helpline as a referral point for continence issues.
The video also aims to help identify callers who may be incontinent
or are managing incontinence for the person they care for.
There are more than four and a half million Australians affected by incontinence,
equal to about 1 in 5 Australians.
So incontinence is a very real issue for many people.
The stress placed on a person with incontinence, and particularly on those who are caring for them,
cannot be underestimated.
We know that incontinence can impact on a person's quality of life
so it is important to let the callers know that in most cases incontinence can be better managed
and possibly cured.
Incontinence does not discriminate.
Despite popular belief incontinence is not a normal part of ageing or having a baby.
No matter how small the leakage, it is not considered normal
and usually get's worse over time without the right help and advice.
By letting callers know that help is available can improve the overall wellbeing
for people with incontinence and their carers.
If a caller mentions an incontinence issue refer the caller to the National Continence Helpline
on 1800 33 00 66.
This is a free telephone advisory service as part of the Continence Foundation of Australia
staffed by continence nurse advisors who can provide expert advice for all ages.
Advice is given on ways to better manage continence issues
and the treatment options available,
the range of continence products and equipment available
and their suitability and where products and samples can be obtained.
Helpline staff also provide information on financial schemes
to help with the purchase of continence products.
Even people who aren't on a pension may be able to receive financial assistance.
Callers can also be referred to their nearest continence clinic
for an assessment and support in their local community.
The Continence Foundation also has a wide range of free information brochures
including brochures in languages other than English.
If the caller doesn't speak English, a telephone interpreter will be arranged.
More than two thirds of the calls to the National Continence Helpline
are from people with incontinence and carers
which indicates the important role the Helpline plays.
The nurses on the Helpline can also help people who have sought assistance
from other health professionals.
An example of a call I'd like to share with you illustrates this nicely.
The caller had been caring for an elderly parent who had severe faecal incontinence
for several years
which resulted in excessive washing, cleaning and stress.
The faecal incontinence worsened as the dementia progressed
despite strict adherence to the treating doctor's advice.
In desperation the carer eventually rang the National Continence Helpline
and spoke to a continence nurse who was able to offer further practical advice
to better manage the situation.
I'm pleased to say that the situation dramatically improved for both the carer and the elderly parent.
To identify if incontinence may be an issue for a caller listen for passing statements, such as
These are all leading statements that suggest there may be a continence issue.
It is an ideal time to seek clarification with another question such as
There may be instances where you suspect a caller may be managing incontinence
for either themselves of the person they care for
though it has not been disclosed by the caller.
In this situation raise the issue of incontinence with one of these possible questions.
If you ask the question openly without embarrassment or shame
but as a health condition that needs to be treated,
the caller is likely to follow your lead.
Sometimes callers need the question asked before they open up.
If they answer 'yes' to any of these questions,
it is important to refer the caller to the National Continence Helpline.
Remember, the caller has phoned you and wants your help and advice
to assist them to negotiate the help available.
Making them aware that help and support is available for continence issues
is an important step.
Free, confidential information, support and referral advice
is available through the National Continence Helpline.
Unfortunately many people still believe there is nothing that can be done to improve incontinence issues
even though this is not the case.
Encouraging callers you've identified as having an incontinence issue to call the Helpline
may be doing them a great service.
We have qualified continence nurses available to take the calls
and we encourage you to refer callers to the National Continence Helpline.
Often the motivation for callers is to find out if they are eligible for financial assistance.
With circumstances changing over time, people who were initially reluctant
may become empowered when the know they can call if they have a question
or just cannot cope any longer.
If you or a caller need further information phone the National Continence Helpline
on 1800 33 00 66.
The Helpline is staffed from 8am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, Australian Eastern Standard time
by continence nurse advisors who provide advice not only to people with incontinence and carers
but to health professionals, service providers and individuals.
Thank you for taking the time to view this video.