In conjunction with Continence Awareness Week which runs from 2 to 8 August, Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is encouraging people who may have incontinence to seek help.

“1 in 5 Western Australians suffer from some form of bladder or bowel problems and half of them do not seek help and suffer in silence,” said Dr Woollard.

“Many fear the embarrassment of having others find out about their condition, but their health will deteriorate without treatment.

“With appropriate advice from trained nurses, simple lifestyle changes and treatment options, people with incontinence problems can lead active lives and even be cured.” 

More financial assistance available

Dr Woollard said changes to the State funded Continence Management and Advice Service (CMAS) for obtaining continence products or pads meant people with incontinence problems can receive more assistance.

“In the past, if you are eligible for the Commonwealth’s Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) you could not receive assistance through the CMAS.

“Both schemes can now be accessed simultaneously provided you meet their eligibility criteria.  This means, as much as $969 can be made available to help people with incontinence pay for their products.

“Seniors living in the City of Melville Area may also be able access additional assistance through the Seniors Assistance Fund managed by Care Options, which provides for 2 cartons of continence products per person.”

Carers not to be ignored too

“Continence Awareness Week also focuses on giving recognition to carers who care for someone with incontinence,” said Dr Woollard.

“I have been informed carers have the lowest well-being index score in Australia[1], and they may be prone to incontinence themselves as a result of the heavy lifting required as part of their caring role.”

Dr Woollard said there are many avenues for carers and people with incontinence to seek help and advice from.  These include the Continence Advisory Services of WA (9386 9777), the CMAS delivered by SilverChain (1300 787 055), Melville Cares Inc. (9319 0900), and Care Options (9550 7888).

Members of the public can find out more about incontinence during specially organised events during Continence Awareness Week as outlined below:

1.     “Hold on! Here wee go again” Public Seminar organised by Continence Advisory Service of WA.

Date: 5 August 2009

Time: 6 – 9 pm

Venue: F J Clark Lecture Theatre, Nedlands

Cost: $15

Please call 93869777 to book a place for the seminar.

2.     Continence Information Days, organised by Melville Cares Inc.

Date: 3, 4, 6 August 2009

Time: 11 am – 2 pm

Venue: Willagee Day Centre, Cnr of North Lake Rd and Archibald Street

Cost: Free for the talk and $8 for a 3-course lunch

Please contact Donna Saunders at 9319 0913 for more information or to book your place.

[1] Special report The Wellbeing of Australians: Carer Health and Wellbeing by Australian Unity and Deakin University, October 2007