3.27 – Factors affecting the person’s ability to cope with their bladder function
A number of factors unrelated to the person’s bladder may affect their continence and ability to cope.
Figure 3.5: Factors affecting a person’s ability to cope with their bladder function.
These may include:
- Mobility – footwear, distance to toilet, ability and speed of walking, balance, confidence, pain, joint movement, use of walking aids
- Dexterity – ability to dress, undress, wipe, wash and dry hands, flush toilet, open/close doors
- Environmental – steps and stairs, floor surface, cleanliness of toilet, smell, access, ability to reach light switch, toilet paper
- Eyesight – partial sight loss, level of lighting, toilet signage
- Mental Function – level of understanding, awareness of sensations, signage, communication skills
- Emotions – motivation, confidence, desire
- Carers – attitude, availability, willingness to assist, understanding, kindness, empathy, compassion
Your task
What types of support can help a person to use a toilet appropriately? To promote continence, not incontinence?