Continence care can be incredibly challenging, it is often demanding, both physically and mentally. However, caregiving is without a doubt an undeniably important and worthwhile job that helps support those who experience difficulties. In this article, we will highlight the ‘why and how’ behind the importance of carers and caregiving.

Why is caregiving so important? 

Bladder weakness is surprisingly common, with between 10% and 36% of the global population are experiencing it.¹ Unfortunately, it is  often a neglected health condition that may lessen the quality of life of those who face it.² Additionally, many people dealing with urinary incontinence experience unacceptable and avoidable embarrassment, as well as social isolation³. This is exactly why continence care is so crucial for those affected by troubling bladder symptoms, particularly if they are older or less mobile. Continence and other types of caregivers provide: 

• Physical support 
• Emotional relief 
• A social and compassionate touchpoint 
• A sense of security and reliability 
• Stability and predictability 

What is the value of excellent continence care? 

The significance of caregiving is undeniable for those we take care of. Here are some of the characteristics that highlight the importance of care: 

1. Compassion and a social touchpoint
   We understand that caring for those with bladder issues can be very difficult because people can find talking about toileting difficulties embarrassing. Being compassionate allows them to process their feelings and move on from them. For some care receivers, the importance of caregiving extends to their social needs. They may be unable to socialise regularly and seeing a friendly face gives them company and companionship. 
   
2. Physical support 
   For those who are bedridden or have mobility issues, continence care provides them with important help to look after themselves physically. Whether that’s attending to their hygiene needs, helping them around the house or getting them up and about, the importance of care for those with bladder weakness is undeniable.  
   
3. Emotional relief  
   Urinary incontinence can be a difficult topic to talk about, as many find it embarrassing. Having a caregiver who understands the condition and how it affects their lives can bring immense emotional relief. 
   
4. Security and reliability 
   Continence caretakers provide their patients with security and reliability just by being there. Knowing that someone will visit them to take care of them and their particular needs allows those with bladder symptoms to feel in control and at ease. 
   
5. Stability and predictability  
   Urinary incontinence can be a changeable condition. Therefore, the importance of caregiving for bladder weakness is apparent, because it allows patients more predictability in their lives. When there is a schedule that the caretaker follows, it allows patients to feel like their lives are more stable. 

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[1] “Evidence profile: urinary incontinence”, World Health Organization, 2017, Source: https://www.who.int/ageing/health-systems/icope/evidence-centre/ICOPE-evidence-profile-urinary-incont.pdf

[2] “The increasing importance of a continence nurse specialist to improve outcomes and save costs of urinary incontinence care: an analysis of future policy scenarios”, Margreet G Franken, Isaac Corro Ramos, Jeanine Los and Maiwenn J Al, 24 June 2016, Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5816541/

[3] “Continence”, Royal College of Nursing, n.d., Source: https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/continence#:~:text=Continence%20care%20is%20an%20essential,are%20supported%20to%20manage%20it.