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Are you experiencing bladder and bowel symptoms? You’re not alone – up to 80% of people living with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis have the same experience with incontinence.
We know it can be uncomfortable to talk about, but we can help! Our Plus Continence team can empower you to take control and improve your confidence, relationships, sleep, work and everyday life.
Our continence nurses are here to listen. We can work with you to recommend treatments and strategies to overcome bladder problems, bowel and sexual dysfunction, including:
- constipation, numbness, leakage, loose bowel, gas or urinary tract infections
- impacts on relationships and sexual intimacy
- difficulty dealing with bladder and bowel issues at work and social events
- poor quality sleep.
Cathryn MS Plus Continence Nurse“Continence nurses help people with MS overcome bladder and bowel challenges. We know it can be uncomfortable to talk about, but we can help! We listen carefully to you and your goals, provide support and strategies to help you manage symptoms and improve your overall wellbeing.”
On this page:
How continence support works
Our continence nurses have specialist experience with neurological conditions. We’ll work with you to understand the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they’re impacting your life before developing a treatment plan to help.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and could include:
- lifestyle and wellbeing advice to support better bladder function
- discussing treatment available and referring you to specialists if needed
- suggestions for products or equipment to manage symptoms like leakage
- strategies to help you navigate work and social events
- advice to manage difficulty going to the toilet
- options for addressing barriers to intimacy.
How to access continence support in Australia
- New South Wales and Victoria: we have continence nurses based in both states. If you live close by, we can arrange a face-to-face appointment at our MS Plus offices at Blackburn, Footscray or Lidcombe. You can also access continence support through Telehealth.
- The ACT and Tasmania: You can access continence support through Telehealth.
How to pay for continence support
There are several ways to pay for this service, including:
- NDIS funding
- My Aged Care funding
- private health insurance
- paying privately with a potential Medicare rebate.
We can help you work out the most suitable payment method when you book your appointment.
FAQs
The Continence Nurse plays a pivotal role in providing compassionate and personalised care to individuals facing bladder and bowel symptoms due to multiple sclerosis.
Incontinence nurses initiate continence support and care journeys by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient's symptoms, taking into account the unique challenges posed by multiple sclerosis. This involves a detailed understanding of the impact of bladder and bowel issues on the patient's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
A key aspect of the Continence Nurse's role is to empower patients with knowledge and strategies to manage their symptoms effectively. This includes providing education on lifestyle adjustments, self-care practices, and techniques to enhance bladder and bowel function. By offering valuable insights, the Continence Nurse aims to empower patients to take control of their health.
The continence service offered by MS Plus aims to address and alleviate bladder and bowel symptoms experienced by individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This service recognizes that up to 80% of people living with multiple sclerosis may encounter challenges related to bladder and bowel function. The Continence Nurse, as part of the allied health team, plays a crucial role in providing specialised continence services.
The service begins by understanding the specific symptoms an individual is experiencing and how these symptoms impact their daily life. The Continence Nurse collaborates with allied health professionals and employs innovative service delivery planning to create a tailored treatment plan for each client.
Continence assessment
Continence assessments for individuals with multiple sclerosis are specialised and empathetic evaluations that take into account the unique challenges presented by the condition. The goal is to provide targeted interventions and support, enhancing the individual's ability to manage bladder and bowel symptoms within the context of living with multiple sclerosis.
The assessment starts by delving into the individual's MS-specific medical history. This includes exploring the progression of the condition, any relapses or remissions, and the impact on neurological function relevant to bladder and bowel control. Ultimately this serves to build foundational strategies to successfully manage incontinence in the long run.
NDIS Continence Nurse Assessment
Navigating the challenges of incontinence, particularly for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), requires a specialised and comprehensive approach. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a crucial role in providing support for individuals with disabilities.
Continence Nurses work in collaboration with NDIS planners to ensure that the support plan aligns with the participant's goals and addresses the specific challenges related to incontinence in the context of MS.
The NDIS provides transparent processes for accessing funding for continence support. This may cover a range of services, including Continence Nurse Assessments, products, and ongoing management.
Lyndel MS Plus Continence Nurse“The most rewarding aspect of my job is not just reducing the stigma around incontinence but empowering our clients to make choices that matter for continence management.”
Ready to get started or have some questions?
Fill in the form below or if you prefer, get in touch with our Plus Connect team on 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]. Let us know what you need because we are here to help you in any way we can.
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