A GP guide to incontinence in the elderly
With advances in minimally invasive treatment procedures, elderly and frail women experiencing urinary incontinence have more options than ever.
More than 70% of the Australian residential aged care population have urinary and/or faecal incontinence, and 48% of community dwelling women aged 65–69 are affected by urinary incontinence.
These are the staggering figures revealed by a 2011 report commissioned by the federally funded Continence Foundation of Australia and conducted by Deloitte Access Economics.1
Urinary incontinence contributes to lowered self-esteem and dignity, depression, social isolation, reduced levels of activity and exercise, loss of independence and admission to aged care facilities.2
Urinary incontinence is a risk factor for recurrent falls and incontinence-associated dermatitis.3,4
