CH190-Continence Care Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Continence Care Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that people supported by {{org_field_name}} receive sensitive, dignified, and person-centred continence care that promotes their health, comfort, independence, and well-being. This policy ensures that continence support is delivered in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), and Regulation 14 (Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs). It also supports the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding individuals from neglect or improper treatment under Regulation 13.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all care staff providing personal care to individuals in their own homes through {{org_field_name}}. It covers the assessment, planning, implementation, and review of continence care for people who use our services. It applies equally to individuals with temporary, chronic, or occasional continence needs and includes management of both urinary and bowel continence.
3. Related Policies
- CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH14 – Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy
- CH36 – Initial Assessment and Care Planning Policy
- CH40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy
- CH44 – Supporting Individuals with Dementia Policy
4. Policy Statement and Principles
4.1 Person-Centred Assessment and Planning
All continence care begins with a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s needs, preferences, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Assessments are carried out collaboratively with the individual, their family or advocate (where appropriate), and relevant health professionals. We document specific continence needs in the individual’s care plan, including product preferences, toileting routines, fluid intake, diet, privacy preferences, and any underlying conditions. Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated as needs change. Our approach promotes autonomy and choice wherever possible.
4.2 Maintaining Dignity and Privacy
Continence care is delivered in a way that upholds the individual’s dignity and promotes self-esteem. Care workers must always ensure privacy when delivering continence support by closing doors, drawing curtains, and explaining each step of the care process. Where appropriate, we respect requests for same-gender care workers and support individuals in managing their own continence where possible. Respectful language must always be used, and no one should be made to feel embarrassed or ashamed due to incontinence.
4.3 Supporting Health and Well-being
We ensure that continence care supports the individual’s overall health and well-being. This includes encouraging regular toileting routines, appropriate fluid intake, and a balanced diet high in fibre (where suitable) to avoid constipation and dehydration. We work in collaboration with GPs, district nurses, and continence advisors to ensure any underlying medical issues are identified and treated. If the person supported is prescribed continence products, staff assist with ordering, storing, and using them correctly and hygienically.
4.4 Infection Prevention and Control
All continence care is provided in line with our CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy. Staff must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and aprons, and dispose of waste in line with local authority and clinical waste disposal procedures. Soiled clothing or bedding must be handled carefully to avoid contamination. Hands must be washed before and after delivering care, and all surfaces cleaned with appropriate disinfectants. Equipment such as commodes and urinals must be cleaned after each use.
4.5 Choice and Continence Products
People supported have the right to choose which continence products they prefer, whether provided by the NHS or purchased independently. Staff will assist individuals in understanding different options such as pads, pull-ups, catheter care, urinals, commodes, or toileting schedules. Product use must always align with the individual’s preferences and clinical advice. Products must be stored safely, labelled clearly, and never shared between individuals. Staff must check expiry dates and replace stock as necessary.
4.6 Bowel and Bladder Monitoring
For individuals with ongoing continence issues, staff may be required to monitor bowel movements and urination frequency as part of a care plan. These observations help identify constipation, dehydration, infection, or decline in condition. Records must be documented accurately and shared with health professionals when needed. Any changes in patterns or concerns (e.g. blood in urine, pain, retention, or persistent incontinence) must be reported promptly to the Registered Manager and appropriate healthcare contacts.
4.7 Training and Staff Competency
All staff involved in delivering continence care must receive induction and ongoing training that includes dignity in care, infection control, safe handling of products, managing urinary and bowel care, and communication with individuals experiencing incontinence. Staff must demonstrate competency before delivering unsupervised personal care. Additional support or refresher training is provided as necessary. The Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}} oversees training compliance and support.
4.8 Safeguarding and Consent
All continence care must be delivered with the person’s valid consent, or in their best interest if they lack capacity, in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff must remain vigilant for signs of neglect, abuse, or improper treatment related to continence, including failure to change soiled products, lack of privacy, or inappropriate use of restraints or denial of toileting. Any concerns must be reported immediately in line with our CH13 – Safeguarding Policy.
4.9 Communication and Documentation
Staff must record all continence care provided, including any concerns, refusals, product use, or changes in condition. Accurate, timely documentation ensures continuity of care and accountability. Records are stored securely in line with our CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy. Communication with individuals must be sensitive, respectful, and adapted to their communication needs, including the use of visuals or advocates if required.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or earlier if there are changes in guidance, best practice, or the needs of the service. Updates will be shared with all staff and the most recent version will be available through {{org_field_email}} and on our website {{org_field_website}}.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.