Continence Nurse for Kids: Supporting Independence and Confidence

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

With over a decade of experience in paediatrics and complex care, Hannah Douglas, Clinical Nurse and Lead Continence Advisor, has spent the last three years specialising in continence care. She collaborates with continence nurses across Brisbane, QLD, Sydney, NSW, and in the Perth, Peel, and Southwest regions of WA.

Complete Circle of Care

Hannah sees continence care as more than simply providing products; for her, it’s about nurturing independence and enhancing a person’s quality of life. With a goal to challenge common stigmas and misconceptions surrounding incontinence, she is dedicated to helping people live their lives to the fullest.

Hannah notes, “A common misconception is that incontinence is just a normal part of aging or something to accept. In reality, continence issues can be effectively treated and managed with proper support. Early evaluation often leads to significant improvements.” She believes that through open discussions, the stigma surrounding these issues can be diminished. 

She emphasises the holistic approach of continence care: “It’s so much more than products and toilet training. We consider diet, fluid intake, mobility, posture, medication, and even emotional wellbeing. Minor adjustments, such as timing fluid intake or altering toileting positions, can result in major improvements in comfort and continence.”

Growing Pains: How Care Changes with Age

Trained in continence nursing for both paediatrics and adults, Hannah possesses a deep understanding of the changes people experience at different life stages. She notes, “Most people dealing with continence issues, regardless of age, often feel anxious or embarrassed, leading to social withdrawal. When care is introduced in a supportive manner, children and teenagers typically gain confidence quickly and begin to view these challenges as part of understanding their bodies.”

She highlights the importance of honesty and empathy in her approach: “I use age-appropriate language, incorporate humour, and provide reassurance to make the child feel safe and heard. We discuss how bodies function and emphasise that many children face similar challenges. Normalising these conversations significantly reduces feelings of shame and anxiety, fostering trust and progress.”

“As they grow, you grow with them.”

Hannah expresses that paediatric continence care is more family-centred. “The focus is on establishing routines and strategies that fit naturally into the child’s home and school life, utilising positive reinforcement and gentle habit-building methods. It often addresses issues like delayed toilet training, constipation, daytime wetting, and challenges related to developmental delays or disabilities. 

In contrast, she explains, “Teenagers and young adults may experience bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), stress-related incontinence, and difficulties managing continence in social contexts. Hormonal changes, particularly in girls, can also affect bladder function and bowel patterns. Reviewing routines and support systems during puberty is often beneficial.”

Transitioning to adult services can be daunting, yet it’s a crucial step toward independence. Hannah encourages young people to take a proactive role in their care, communicate directly with clinicians, and understand their management plans. This empowerment is vital for fostering confidence and self-management skills as they mature.

Outside the Home: Building Confidence, Routine and Support

Preparing parents, carers, and kids for continence care outside the home is an essential step. Early intervention, encouragement, and a positive approach to the topic are crucial. 

She suggests that preparation begins early: “Involving children in small tasks, like packing their supplies or tracking fluid intake, lays the groundwork. By the time they reach adolescence, the focus shifts towards self-advocacy. It’s about teaching them how to convey their needs and access support when necessary, and more confidently.” 

“Here, education and consistency are essential for success.”

Hannah’s emphasis is on building confidence and practical skills: “This includes managing products subtly at school, navigating public restrooms, or discussing continence needs with support workers or peers.”

Hannah also highlights discreet options such as wearable sensors like the Dri Sleeper Eclipse and stylish products like Modibodi. Also, digital tools can further support their growth, creating opportunities for education and empowerment.

Advocating as a Parent or Carer

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in continence care. From the day-to-day, such as helping maintain toilet diaries or monitoring fluid and bowel patterns, to advocating for their child.

“Parents should know that it’s completely acceptable to request reasonable adjustments under school inclusion policies, such as flexible bathroom breaks, discreet storage for supplies, or staff education. Also, having a written plan from a continence nurse helps schools understand exactly what is needed,” explains Hannah. 

She goes on to say, “I work directly with teachers and school health staff to develop individual continence management plans. These plans specify routines, privacy strategies, and staff responsibilities, ensuring that children are supported discreetly throughout the day. When schools are well-informed, children feel much more comfortable and confident.”

When looking for a continence nurse, Hannah suggests, “From a clinical perspective, look for a qualified nurse with specific training in continence care and experience working with individuals with disabilities. Look for someone who adopts a collaborative, person-centred approach, involves families and carers in the process, and provides documentation that meets NDIS requirements.”