Bladder incontinence is the complaint of involuntary loss of urine. Up to 60% of individuals over the age of 60 years experience UI and it is associated with social isolation, decreased activity, depression, anxiety. It is often under reported by sufferers. (Gibson, 2015) ¹ Bowel incontinence is the involuntary loss of stools causing social or hygienic inconvenience and effects an estimated 5% of the non-hospitalized public, but the prevalence rises to up to 50% of long term care residents. (Rizk, 2010) ²

Screening: 
canadiancontinence.ca - Initial Management of UI Chart 

Bladder Screening:

• In the past 3 months have you leaked any urine? + Do you wear a pad or a brief? 

Bowel Screening:

• Do you have trouble with constipation (˂ 3 BM’s/week, hard stool, incomplete emptying, straining, manual maneuvers)?
• Do you have trouble with loose stool or diarrhea (loose and water, ˃2-3 x per day)?
• Do you have accidents where you soil your undergarments?

Additional resources:

• Frailty eLearning Module - “Incontinence”
• GiiC Toolkit - “Incontinence”
• Canadian Geriatrics Society - Urinary Incontinence in Elderly

Video:

• Dr. Jennifer Skelly - “Incontinence” 

 

1. Gibson, W., Wagg, A. (2015) Urinary incontinence in the frail elderly. Canadian Geriatrics Society http://www.canadiangeriatrics.ca/default/assets/File/7_Urinary%20Incontinence_William%20Gibson(1).pdf
2. Rizk,D.(2010) Feacal Incontinence. http://www.canadiancontinence.ca/pdfs/Faecal-Incontinence-2010-01-19.pdf