Going with the Flow

Continence and Assistive Technology

By Rosalie Donhardt, Dept Families & Communities SA

Incontinence is a significant health issue affecting over 3.8 million Australians.
It may affect people of all ages and may be linked with other health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, dementia or disability.

Assessment by a health professional is the initial key point to management of incontinence as there are many possible causes for both urinary and faecal incontinence and many treatment options available.

CAAS to CAPS

Continence Aids Payment Scheme

By ILCNSW

The Essential Information.

From 1 July 2010 the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) will be replaces by the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS).

Incontinence in Australia

Facts & Figures

By Marilyn Woodcock, Continence Foundation of Australia

Recent statistics suggest that almost 4 million Australians are affected by incontinence and between 60 and 70% of those could be cured or better managed.

In the majority of older adults, incontinence is amenable to improvement and often cure irrespective of the underlying condition.

Childhood Incontinence

Nocturnal & Diurnal Enuresis

By Gail Nankivell & Patrina H.Y. Caldwell

Incontinence (daytime wetting) and nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in childhood and adolescence can have a significant impact on self esteem, relationships (peer and parental), school performance and later sexual activity.

Nocturnal enuresis can also affect cognitive performance but has been shown to improve with treatment.(2) Assuming a child will grow out of it is not necessarily an acceptable option.

With early assistance in correct diagnosis and appropriate management, much of the distress that surrounds this condition can be avoided.

Article by:
Gail Nankivell, Senior Physiotherapist, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Patrina H.Y. Caldwell, Senior Lecturer, Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney

5 Year Cummulative Index

2005 to 2009

By ILCNSW

Index of articles from Volume 21 to 25 inclusive.