Continence Care Training

Continence Care Training

The Continence Care Training course is for healthcare professionals, care workers, and support staff. It equips them with the tools, skills and knowledge on how to provide compassionate and effective care for people with incontinence.

The course covers the causes and types of incontinence, like urinary and faecal incontinence, and looks at how it affects people physically, emotionally, and socially.

Participants will learn how to assess needs carefully, create individual care plans, and use proven methods to help manage incontinence while protecting a person’s dignity.

The course also gives practical tips on using continence aids, looking after the skin, and avoiding problems like infections or pressure sores. The training follows UK Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and the Care Act 2014, making sure everything is done correctly.

This course is perfect for anyone working in residential care, community settings, or hospitals. It helps improve the quality of care and outcomes for service users. By the end, participants will be able to support people with incontinence in a way that promotes independence and well-being.

You will receive a Level 2 Certificate in Continence Care Awareness upon successfully meeting the requirement for the course.

📚Trainer-led Courses: Catheter Care Training / Bowel Care Training / Nutrition and Hydration Course. / Bladder Management Awareness Training.

Course Information:

• Course Duration: 2-3 Hours (half-day)
• Course Level: Level 2
• Certificate: 2-year certificate
• Max Delegates: 12
• Practical: No
• Course Mode: Face to Face/ Online (Virtual)
• Prerequisite: None

📚Relevant: Infection Control Training for Health Staff / Dignity in Care Training.

Continence Care Course Outline

1. The Urinary System

Understanding how the body passes urine is important for helping people with incontinence. This part of the course will help you learn about the bladder, the tube that carries urine (called the urethra), and the muscles that help control when someone goes to the toilet. Learning how this works will help you understand what can go wrong and how to help.

• How the urinary system works
• The role of the bladder, urethra, and muscles
• How we urinate

2. The Digestive System

Just like with urination, bowel incontinence is closely linked to how the digestive system works. Learning about the intestines, rectum, anus, and muscles that control the passage of stool will help you understand how it all works. It will also help you find the causes of incontinence.

• The structure and function of the digestive system
• The role of the stomach, intestines, rectum, and muscles
• How digestion and elimination work

3. Types of Incontinence

It’s really important to be able to tell the difference between types of urinary and bowel incontinence for the right diagnosis and treatment. Once you know what type a patient has, you can choose the best treatment for them.

• Urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence
• Bowel incontinence: urge bowel incontinence, overflow bowel incontinence, mixed bowel incontinence
• Mixed incontinence

4. Common Causes of Incontinence

Many things can cause incontinence, such as getting older, having children, or health problems like strokes. This aspect of the continence care helps you understand the different causes based on a patient’s age, symptoms, and health history. It also helps you think critically to find the main cause.

• Changes with age
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause
• Health problems like stroke or multiple sclerosis
• Some medications
• Obesity
• Long-term constipation

5. Red Flags

Some signs of incontinence mean a person needs medical help quickly. Knowing these warning signs can help stop serious problems from being missed. You will learn how to spot things like blood in wee or poo, difficulty going to the toilet, or sudden leaking that needs fast action.

• Blood in the urine or stool
• Severe stomach pain
• Trouble urinating or having a bowel movement
• Sudden incontinence
• Incontinence that gets worse quickly

6. Management and Support

The good news is that many types of incontinence can get better with simple treatments like bladder training, exercise, and changes to your lifestyle. This course on managing incontinence gives you helpful tools to try before thinking about medicines or surgery. It covers ways to manage incontinence, including:

• Behavioural changes: managing fluids, bladder training, and bowel training
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Medications
• Medical devices, such as catheters and pessaries
• Lifestyle changes: managing weight, regular exercise, and quitting smoking
• Emotional support and counselling

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Explain the functions of the urinary system and how it contributes to maintaining continence.
• Describe the relevant anatomical and physiological aspects of the digestive system in the context of continence care.
• Differentiate between various types of incontinence, such as stress, urge, and mixed, and understand their underlying causes.
• Recognise red flags and warning signs that indicate the need for immediate assessment and intervention in continence care.
• Describe how to apply patient-centred care principles when managing continence issues, considering individual needs and preferences.
• Explain the importance of implementing infection control measures to prevent urinary tract infections and other related complications.
• Describe how to conduct risk assessments to identify potential complications and implement preventive measures, such as pressure ulcer prevention.
• Discuss the indications and contraindications for various continence care interventions, highlighting the importance of safe and appropriate patient selection.
• Explain the importance of accurate and comprehensive documentation of continence care assessments, interventions, and reviews.
• Explain the ethical and legal aspects of obtaining informed consent for continence-related procedures, respecting patient autonomy.

Who Should Take the Continence Care?

The list of people who should take this Continence Care Training course include:

1. Healthcare workers (e.g., Nurses, Doctors)
2. Care Workers
3. Support Staff
4. Residential Care Assistants
5. Home Care Workers
6. Nursing Home Staff
7. Community Care Providers
8. Hospital Staff (e.g., Healthcare Assistants, Ward Assistants)
9. Occupational Therapists
10. Physiotherapists
11. Social Workers involved in care
12. Carers looking after individuals with incontinence

This course is ideal for anyone who works in settings where they support individuals with continence needs, aiming to improve care quality and service user outcomes.

Why Continence Care Training Is So Important

Many people in the UK live with incontinence. These numbers show how common it is and why care workers need the right training to help.

Urinary Incontinence (Bladder Problems)

• Around 7 million people in the UK have urinary incontinence.
• 1 in 5 people have some kind of bladder problem.
• 1 in 4 older people (over 60) have urinary incontinence.
• 30% to 60% of people in care homes are affected.
• 34% of women and over 2 million men in the UK have urinary incontinence.
• 51% of men of all ages report symptoms – even 1 in 5 young men aged 18-25 are affected.

Faecal Incontinence (Bowel Problems)

• Over 500,000 adults in the UK have regular bowel accidents.
• Around 1 in 10 people struggle with bowel control.
• 1 in 4 people aged 85+ in care homes have bowel incontinence.
• Constipation, which affects 3% to 15% of people, often leads to this.

Many People Don’t Ask for Help

• Only 1 in 5 women and less than half of adults with serious symptoms get help.
• 70% of people with leaks don’t ask for advice or treatment.
• 30% feel too embarrassed to talk about it.
• 35% think it will get better on its own.

The Impact

• It costs the NHS £1.8 billion every year.
• People spend £750 million on incontinence pads privately.
• 78% of men with incontinence worry about leaving the house.
• 28% feel depressed because of loneliness.
• Incontinence increases the risk of UTIs, falls, pressure sores, and mental health problems.

Why Training Matters

These facts show just how common incontinence is—for both younger and older people. With the right Continence Care Training, staff can:

• Help people feel less embarrassed
• Offer better care
• Reduce health risks
• Improve daily life for those they support

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Course Testimonials

We receive thousands of wonderful reviews from people who have attended our courses across the UK. Below, we’ve shared some of the positive feedback they’ve left for us on Reviews.io and Trustpilot.

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“The continence care presentation was most informative” – Donald McColl

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“Caring for Care have been outstanding and very understanding regarding our current situation as we have had to rearrange training on a few occasions. Their customer service, efficiency and responsiveness has been extremely reasonable and their contracts and pricing extremely fair. Our business isn’t fully operational yet however we will not hesitate to book their training courses as soon as we are up and running!” – Natasha Steel

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“I found the trainer to be very informative, and the delivery of her session kept us all engaged with plenty of food for thought. I really enjoyed both the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. Thank you!” – Teri Ruddock

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“Great couple of days, excellent trainer very knowledgeable, not overloaded with too much information, but when questions were asked all information was passed on.” – Gwen Agg

Onsite Continence Awareness Training

We offer onsite Continence Awareness Training across the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

This training is ideal for care homes, hospitals, domiciliary care providers, and other health and social care settings. By choosing onsite training, your team can learn in their own environment, saving time and making learning more relevant to day-to-day work.

The course covers key topics such as bladder and bowel function, continence promotion, managing incontinence, and supporting individuals with dignity. It also includes guidance on identifying risk factors, using continence aids, and following best practice in line with UK care standards, including NICE and CQC frameworks.

Our experienced trainers create a friendly, practical learning atmosphere, encouraging discussion, questions, and hands-on participation. The course can be adapted to suit your setting’s needs, and all participants receive a certificate upon completion.

Onsite training is a cost-effective way to upskill staff, improve confidence, and support better outcomes in continence care.

What is incontinence training for carers?

Incontinence training for carers means teaching them how to help people who have trouble controlling their pee or poo.

Here are the main things they learn:

1. Understanding Incontinence: Carers find out about the different kinds of incontinence, what causes it, and how it affects people.
2. Keeping Things Respectful and Comfy: They learn ways to help without making people feel embarrassed, focusing on how to respect their privacy and make them feel comfortable.
3. Using the Right Stuff: Carers get trained on how to use and throw away different things used for incontinence, like adult nappies, pads, tubes, and covers for beds.
4. Helping with the Toilet: They learn how to safely and correctly help people use the toilet, including moving them around, helping them get in the right position, and cleaning up afterwards.
5. Keeping Skin Healthy: Carers learn about keeping skin clean and healthy to prevent sores or infections caused by incontinence.
6. Being Kind and Understanding: They learn how to talk nicely about incontinence and support people who might feel embarrassed or upset.
7. Documentation and reporting: Carers find out how to write down when accidents happen, what they use to help, and if anything changes or worries them.

This training usually involves learning in a classroom, watching demonstrations, and practising with equipment and pretend situations. It’s important for carers to keep learning about incontinence regularly to make sure they know the latest ways to help.

Effective incontinence training helps carers treat people with dignity, keep them comfy, and make sure they stay healthy and safe.

Continence Care FAQs

1. Who should attend the Continence Care Training?

The training is ideal for healthcare professionals, care workers, support staff, and anyone involved in caring for individuals with continence needs. This includes staff working in residential care, hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings.

2. What does the training cover?

The training covers:

• The causes and types of incontinence (urinary and bowel)
• How incontinence affects individuals physically, emotionally, and socially
• How to assess continence needs and develop personalised care plans
• Practical guidance on using continence products and managing skin care
• Infection control and preventing complications like pressure ulcers

3. How long is the training?

The training typically lasts between half a day to cover depth of course content.

4. Is this training suitable for beginners?

Yes! The course is designed for all levels of experience, including beginners. We cover the basics and provide practical knowledge, so everyone can learn at their own pace.

5. Is the training classroom-based or online?

The training is trainer-led in-person (classroom-based), ensuring a more interactive and hands-on learning experience. However, we can also offer online training (virtual) options if required.

6. What are the benefits of trainer-led training?

Trainer-led sessions give you the chance to talk directly with our experienced trainers. You can ask questions, join in discussions, and practise your skills. This personal way of learning helps you understand and remember better

7. Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes, all participants will receive a Certificate in Continence Care Awareness upon successfully completing the course.

8. Is the training aligned with UK regulations?

Yes, our training is aligned with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and the Care Act 2014, ensuring you are up to date with best practices and regulatory requirements. The course is endorsed by Skills for Care and CPD UK.

9. Can the course be tailored to my specific needs?

Absolutely! We can customise the training content to address the specific needs of your team or organisation, ensuring it is most relevant to the type of care you provide.

10. How can I book the training for my team?

To book the training, simply contact us via phone or email, or visit our website to schedule a session. We can arrange on-site training at your location or a virtual session, depending on your preference.

11. When should the continence course be refreshed?

The refresher course is typically due every 1-2 years to keep up with the latest developments and help you stay relevant within the field.

12. Do I need any prior knowledge or qualifications to attend?

No prior qualifications are required to attend the training. It is suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced staff.

13. How do I register for the training?

You can register by visiting our website, calling our team, or sending an email. We’ll provide all the necessary details to ensure a smooth booking process.

Great training provided. The trainer was friendly and approachable, allowing time for questions. Very informative and knowledgeable - Rosie B.