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?

Share your thoughts with fellow learners.