Urinary and Fecal Incontinence in Nursing Home Residents

Urinary and fecal incontinence are comorbid conditions affecting over 50% of nursing home residents. Management should focus on identifying and treating underlying causes. Despite appropriate management, residents may remain incontinent because of dementia and health- or restraint-related immobility. This article reviews the results of studies that have documented how prompted voiding programs can significantly reduce urinary and fecal incontinence, particularly if the intervention includes dietary and exercise components. Documentation of noninvasive and efficacious interventions by randomized, controlled trials and the labor costs of implementing these measures can lead to changes in how nursing home care is provided and funded.