How to give the best continence care at the end of life

Managing continence issues at the end of a person’s life requires a sensitive, patient-centred approach to ensure their comfort and dignity are maintained

Many people will have symptoms of bladder or bowel incontinence when they are in the final few weeks or days of life.

Loss of bladder and bowel control can cause considerable discomfort, distress and sometimes pain, states British Geriatrics Society (BGS) guidance on end of life care in frailty.

• RELATED: Identification, assessment and treatment of urinary incontinence and bowel control issues

What sort of continence issues are common in end of life care?

Prevalence of faecal incontinence rises