Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly

Urinarsy incontinence involves difficulty in retaining urine, making it a problem with multiple consequences. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage reflection on this situation and identify potential action with a view to promoting self-care in the elderly with urinary incontinence. The authors undertook an ethnographic survey in convalescence units in which they observed and interviewed elderly patients with urinary incontinence and healthcare professionals. Implementing an “observation, reporting, and reflection” approach, they carried out a content analysis. Three cultural dimensions emerged affecting self-care. Functional dependence and vulnerability led to an impaired attitude to the body, which constituted the primary challenge in the process. The promotion of self-care was marked by difficulties, strategies, and modes of action where the nurses played a significant role in liaison with the multidisciplinary team. The preparation for discharge was marked by points of contention and negotiations that decided whether the patient would return home or be the subject of referral.