Management of faecal incontinence in the elderly: current policy and practice

Faecal incontinence in the elderly community-based population, is an important daily practice issue for community nurses, and poses particular sensitive intervention and care challenges. Prevalence estimates from various studies indicate that approximately 10% of the elderly suffer from chronic faecal incontinence, however this figure could rise to 25% in a nursing home population (Whitehead et al, 2009; NICE, 2014). Faecal incontinence is often a taboo subject and people who face this issue experience feelings of loss of dignity, embarrassment, social isolation, depression and loneliness (Stenzelius et al, 2007; Razjouyan et al, 2015). Elderly people suffering from this debilitating condition also increase the burden of care to their family, care-givers and health care services (Alavi et al, 2015). Care and intervention that is focused on individual needs is at the forefront of modern nursing practice, and when effective management of faecal incontinence is achieved, this can have a significant effect on the patient's quality of life, self-esteem, dignity and social inclusion (Ousey et al, 2010; Gillibrand, 2012).