About this guide

This guide may help you manage continence when caring for people living with dementia. Experienced homecare workers have been involved throughout its development and advised on the contents so that it is relevant to the needs and challenges you face in your role. All quotations are from homecare workers and include their experience of caring for and advice on how to support people with their continence. Having conversations on continence can be difficult and we hope this guide will help.

How to use this guide

You can use this guide:

1. to help start a conversation with a client on how they are managing their continence
2. to plan care together
3. as a go-to resource for you and your clients when you need it.

Choose the sections from the menu that are useful for you. Each section has key points (for when you’re in a hurry) and additional detailed information (for when you have more time). The guide is full of practical information and there are boxed practical tips highlighted to help you pick out ideas quickly. There are also links to take you to other sections of the website that may be helpful.

Speak to your supervisor or manager if you are unsure about anything and always follow the protocols of your employing organisation.

Words for pee and poo

Getting words right is important for continence care, to encourage conversations on a difficult subject. We have used ‘pee’ and ‘poo’, for urine and faeces throughout the guide, but it’s important to use the words that work best with each of your clients. By listening out for their choice of words you can use the same terms when speaking to them.

Incontinence refers to the involuntary voiding of pee and poo. We have used the terms ‘accident’ and ‘leakage’ in this guide, when referring to incontinent episodes and their management.

People who have dementia and are not native English speakers may revert to talking in their native language, especially as their disease progresses. In this case, you may find it helpful to use Google Translate to find words your client might use for going to the toilet.

We’ve listed some of the common words and terms used for pee (or peeing) and poo (or pooing) below.