Choosing products for bladder and bowel control(view report contents)
Getting help
People who can help
For most people the chances of a cure are good. Start by seeing your family doctor, who can diagnose your symptoms, advise you on the best treatment and, if necessary, put you in touch with a specialist.
There are nurses (sometimes called continence advisors) and physiotherapists (sometimes called urotherapists) who specialise in bladder and bowel conditions. They can teach you to strengthen the relevant muscles, explain bladder training, and advise on other treatments and products. There are about 450 continence advisors around the UK. The service is free under the NHS, but if you have to wait or if there is no NHS advisor in your area, there are private practitioners too. Ask your GP or ring the Continence Foundation Helpline (see Helpful organisations) for details of your nearest advisor.
You can also get advice from GP practice nurses, district nurses, school nurses, health visitors and social workers. Some manufacturers and suppliers of specialist products also have advisors - usually nurses - trained in fitting appliances.
Your rights to help
Investigations and treatment of incontinence are available under the NHS. However the range of services and supply of products will vary according to where you live. For example, each health authority or trust will make their own decision on what to supply. Your GP or continence advisor will tell you what is on offer locally.
If you live in a residential home, you can get the same incontinence services as anyone else. In Scotland this is also true if you live in a nursing home. Elsewhere in the UK, nursing home fees usually include the cost of any products.
Specialised products such as catheters, urine drainage bags and appliances for men can be obtained on prescription from your GP. In Scotland pads are also available on prescription. Normal prescription charges and exemptions apply.
If you buy products from a chemist or by mail order, they will give you a form to sign so you do not pay VAT.
People under 65 years of age, who need help to get to and from the lavatory or who are incontinent and need help to wash and dress, may qualify for the care component of Disability Living Allowance. For people aged 65 years or over, there is Attendance Allowance. Leaflets available from Post Offices and Social Security offices give details.
In some circumstances social services help with bedding but this depends on their finances and priorities.
If your child makes extra laundry, you may qualify for a grant from the Family Fund Trust (see Family Fund Trust) - for a washing machine, clothing or bedding, for example. They will need basic details of your income and savings. Contact the Trust for further information.
Report contents
About
this report
Incontinence:
what does it mean?
Symptoms,
causes and treatments
Getting
help
Tips
for dealing with smells and stains
Products
and tips on choosing them
Alternatives
to the lavatory
Protecting
beds and chairs
Protecting
yourself
Specialist
products
How
your bladder and bowels work
Helpful
organisations
