Hello Bea
I am sorry to hear about your relative. Continence issues following a stroke can be quite common and can be impacted upon by those with mobility or other functional difficulties. Do you know if they have spoken with their GP about this issue? If not perhaps you or another family member might be able to raise it with your family member and go with them to the GP. The GP can then look at referring to a continence nurse who could raise the topic of aids and other supports. Sometimes having a health professional recommend something to help can be helpful. The continence nurse might also be able to help identify what the main cause of the continence issues are.
The Continence Foundation also have a helpline staffed by health professionals that might be able to recommend other options. You can call them on Ph 1800 330 066.
You are right to seek input from an Occupational Therapist, they can look at strategies to help manage any functional difficulties and look at ways to practice toileting so that it might be easier to manage when out and about. These might include a toileting regime. This would be looking at regular timing of toileting, which might better manage or reduce the need to find a toilet when they are out.
We do have some resources on EnableMe including a podcast on incontinence which might be helpful. You can find these here.
You are welcome to give us a call at StrokeLine to discuss this question in more detail. You can reach us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on Ph. 1800 787 653.
Best wishes
Siobhan (StrokeLine)
Thank you for such a detailed reply. My relative would not discuss with GP on own but I explained I would mention as it effected me too (when going out together).
Have had a Continence nurse appointment - definately recommend this to anyone needing help with this. Excellent professional advice. But unfortunately my relative would not take it (to increase water, fruit, veg & fibre & reduce caffine). Has very poor diet.
Slight change of products were discussed & suggested but in reality is not able to manage solo. Has option of taking a support worker when going out - also refused. GP confirmed lack of insight problems.
Had already informed OT so hopefully this will lead to more OT & be beneficial. Maybe a toileting regime too.
I no longer go out with my relative. They have advice & options but refuse. So I think that is all I can do.
Thanks for this Bea, it sounds like you have been very supportive and are doing what you can for your relative.
It can be really difficult for someone to come to terms with the new challenges they are facing after a stroke. It's good to hear that there is an OT involved and they have been linked into some additional support.
I am sorry to hear about what they, and you, have been going through.
kind regards
Siobhan (StrokeLine).
Before you can post or reply in these forums, please join our online community.