Confidence Starts Here: New Guide Supports Better Continence Health
Continence challenges affect up to one in four older New Zealanders, yet they are often not discussed openly. For some, concerns are accepted as part of aging yet can greatly impact confidence, independence, social connections, and overall wellbeing.
The CHT Aged Care Fund has provided a grant to Continence NZ to develop a new free guidebook designed to help older people and their families better understand and manage continence issues by providing practical, easy-to-understand information and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.
By improving awareness and understanding, the guide strives to reduce the stigma often associated with continence problems, while reassuring older people that these issues are common, manageable, and with the right information and support, can improve to maintain their independence for longer.
An online survey by Continence NZ of over 670 people revealed that feeling embarrassed to talk about continence issues was the leading reason most people said they hadn’t reached out for help before.
“I meet people every day who assume that incontinence is inevitable with age”, says Hannah Orr, pelvic floor physiotherapist. “It is so important to get the message out there that although incontinence symptoms are more common as we age, there is so much that can be done”.
“Whether that is aiming for a complete cure, improving or managing symptoms so that everyone can thrive into older age without being limited by incontinence”
Continence NZ Executive Committee President Dr Anna Lawrence, MBChB, FRACS (Urol) says the organisation is committed to empowering people affected by incontinence to thrive.
“This guide reflects our commitment by bringing together practical information, expert guidance, and support to help older people maintain dignity, confidence, independence, and wellbeing. We are incredibly grateful to receive funding to bring this resource to life.”
The partnership also reflects the ongoing mission of CHT Aged Care Fund to invest in initiatives that enhance the growing elderly population and the aged care sector by empowering older people to make informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.
Feeling worried about continence issues is natural when it comes to older family members says CHT Care Homes Chief Executive Carriann Hall.
“We understand bladder and bowel health can be a delicate subject. This guide for older people is freely and easily accessible to help ensure no one feels embarrassed or isolated by continence challenges, and that everyone has access to the information and support they need to live well.”
CHT Care Homes established the CHT Aged Care Fund in 2019 with a dedication to continuous quality improvement and innovation, and its desire to support delivery of high-quality care across the entire aged care sector. Grants are given each year for projects across research, access to care, and workforce development.
The guide is available to download at https://www.continence.org.nz/ .
