Continence care and infection control

Why it's a key moment

Continence care involves contact with urine and faeces, which can carry germs that cause gastro and urinary tract infections. Good technique protects the participant, you and the next person you support.

Step by step

1. Explain what you're doing and protect the person's privacy and dignity.
2. Clean your hands, then put on an apron and gloves.
3. Provide care following the participant's support plan.
4. Place used continence products straight into a bag and dispose of them as your provider directs.
5. Remove gloves before touching clean clothing or surfaces, then the apron, and clean your hands.
6. Clean any equipment or surfaces that were soiled.

Catheters

If the participant has a catheter, follow their plan and any training you've been given. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor, and report pain, fever, cloudy or smelly urine or changes in output.

Report changes

Diarrhoea, blood, or signs of infection should be reported promptly so the participant can be assessed.