Growing Confidence: Continence Care for Teens and Young Adults

Insights from Hannah Douglas, Clinical Nurse and Lead Continence Advisor

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Continence care can be a sensitive topic for teens, young adults, and families, but the right support can make a meaningful difference to comfort, confidence, and independence. In this resource, Hannah Douglas, Clinical Nurse and Lead Continence Advisor, explains what continence care involves, why early support matters, and how families, schools and clinicians can work together to create respectful, practical support plans. It also shares tips for building independence, choosing discreet products, and navigating important transition periods such as puberty and the move from paediatric to adult services.

What is continence care?

Continence care helps people manage bladder or bowel concerns through a comprehensive assessment and a personalised care plan. This may include a relaxed discussion about health history, daily routines, and symptoms, as well as a gentle, non-invasive check-up.

The aim is to improve comfort, independence, and quality of life through practical strategies, education, and product recommendations that suit each person’s needs.

Continence assessments can be especially helpful for people experiencing incontinence, frequent urges, constipation, or toileting challenges related to disability or medical changes. For young NDIS participants, assessments may also support access to funding for ongoing products and care.

Breaking down stigma around bladder and bowel health

Many people feel embarrassed talking about bladder or bowel concerns, even though these issues are common. The more openly continence is discussed, the easier it becomes for teens, young adults, and their families to seek help without shame.

Supporting the transition from paediatric to teens and young adult continence care

Moving from paediatric to adult services can feel daunting, but it is an important step toward independence. A strong transition focuses on helping young people become more involved in their own care, communicate directly with clinicians, and understand their management plans.

This involvement helps build confidence and self-management skills over time. It can include learning how to manage products discreetly at school, navigate public toilets, or talk about continence needs with support workers, clinicians, or partners.

Continence care during puberty

Practical ways to build confidence and independence

Developing independence starts with small, realistic goals. Young people may begin by packing their own supplies, tracking fluid intake, or setting phone reminders to empty their bladder. Over time, they can build toward managing product reordering, explaining their needs, and asking for support when required.

Families can support this process by involving children in age-appropriate tasks early on and gradually increasing their responsibilities during adolescence. Collaboration with schools, therapists, and support coordinators can also help create a consistent plan across different environments.

Common challenges during the transition period

Teenagers and young adults may feel embarrassed discussing continence openly, and some families may find it difficult to identify adult services that feel approachable and supportive. Building trust, maintaining continuity of care, and using respectful language are essential to helping young people feel safe, heard, and confident.

Key tips for building confidence

• Start with small responsibilities, such as packing supplies or setting reminders.
• Use simple, easy-to-follow routines at home, school, work, or in the community.
• Choose discreet products that help the young person feel comfortable and prepared.
• Encourage open, calm conversations so continence needs feel easier to discuss.
• Work with schools, carers and clinicians to create consistent support across settings.
• Review the continence plan regularly, especially during puberty or major life transitions.

Products and digital tools that can help

There are now more discreet and age-appropriate continence products available for young people. Options such as pull-up-style absorbent pants, slimline pads, odour-control disposal systems, and underwear-style products can make day-to-day management feel more private and manageable.

For more independent teenagers, tools such as phone reminders, hydration-tracking apps, and small toiletry kits for school, work, or travel can support privacy and confidence.

Working with schools and educators

Schools play an important role in supporting children and young people with continence needs. A written continence management plan can outline routines, privacy strategies, supply storage, bathroom access, and staff responsibilities.

Parents and carers can advocate for reasonable adjustments, such as flexible bathroom breaks, discreet storage for supplies, and staff education. When educators understand what is needed, young people are more likely to feel comfortable and supported during the school day.

Talking continence care with teens and young adults

Conversations about continence should be honest, respectful, and age-appropriate. Simple language, reassurance, and a calm approach can help reduce shame and anxiety. It is also helpful to normalise the topic by explaining that many children and young people experience bladder or bowel challenges.

Creating a safe space for questions helps young people feel heard and more willing to engage in their care. This trust is an important foundation for progress.

Choosing a continence care provider

When choosing a provider, look for a qualified nurse with specific training in continence care and experience supporting people with disabilities. A strong provider should take a collaborative, person-centered approach and involve the individual, family members, carers, and support networks where appropriate.

For NDIS participants, it is also important that the provider can supply clear documentation that supports funding requirements. Communication and empathy matter just as much as clinical skill, because continence care for teens and young adults is very personal, and everyone needs to feel respected throughout the process.

Need support with continence care?

If you or someone you support is experiencing bladder or bowel concerns, a continence assessment can help identify practical strategies, suitable products, and the right supports. Speaking with a qualified continence professional is a positive first step toward greater comfort, confidence, and independence.

You can make a continence referral directly with our team.