Use of continence pads to manage urinary incontinence in older people

Urinary incontinence is a symptom that should be investigated and whenever possible treated in order to enable the person to regain continence. Sometimes, it is not possible or appropriate to promote continence, and the focus shifts to that of managing incontinence sensitively to enable the person to maintain dignity and avoid the complications of poorly managed urinary incontinence. This article examines how nurses and health professionals can promote wellbeing by assessing a person's need for incontinence pads, enabling the person to use the appropriate type of pad and minimising risks of skin damage, odour, embarrassment, and leakage.