What is the main goal of continence care?

The main goal of continence care is to promote normal urinary and bowel function. This involves supporting individuals in maintaining control over their bladder and bowel patterns, which contributes significantly to their overall quality of life. Normalizing these functions is crucial for the physical and psychological well-being of individuals, as it enables them to engage in everyday activities without fear or embarrassment related to incontinence.

Promoting normal function includes education about healthy habits, lifestyle modifications, and interventions that can assist in achieving and maintaining continence. It also entails assessing and addressing any underlying conditions that may impact bladder or bowel control, which can ultimately support individuals in achieving their personal health goals.

While managing incontinence with absorbent products is an important aspect of care for those experiencing incontinence, it is considered a secondary means of addressing the issue rather than a primary goal. Similarly, preventing urinary tract infections and assessing organ dysfunction are related concerns within healthcare but do not encapsulate the overarching objective of continence care, which is fundamentally centered on facilitating optimal functional outcomes for patients.