How to Write a Continence Care Plan
A continence care plan should describe the person's usual continence pattern, how they indicate need and the support required to maintain dignity, comfort and skin health.
What to include
- Usual continence pattern and variation
- Toilet, commode, bottle, bedpan or continence products used
- Prompting or regular checks needed
- Number of staff needed for support
- Skin care and hygiene requirements
- Signs of constipation, urinary change or deterioration to report
Writing the care need
Describe the person's current ability and the support they require. Include relevant preferences and risks, but avoid generic statements that could apply to anybody.
Writing the outcome
Make the outcome meaningful to the person — for example maintaining independence, communicating needs, remaining comfortable, reducing avoidable risk or receiving consistent support.
Writing the care actions
State what staff should do in practical terms: level of assistance, approach, equipment, prompts, observations and escalation where relevant.
Review and update
Check the plan whenever the person's needs, abilities, risks, equipment or professional guidance changes, and follow the care provider's own review process.