Management of Urinary Incontinence in Veterans Administration Nursing Homes

Abstract
Nursing Home Care Units in Veterans Administration [VA] Medical Centers across the country were surveyed to determine methods of management or urinary incontinence (UI) in the nursing home (NH) setting. Information was obtained from 90 VA NH on demographic aspects of the NH population, prevalence and severity of UI and fecal incontinence, common problems encountered and specific strategies and techniques. Written guidelines for bladder training and catheter care from many of the NH were analyzed. The results of the survey reinforce the need for research designed to improve the care of the incontinent NH patient.