Devon Care Homes Nursing Education Forum

Thank you to all those who attended our October Forum on undernutrition and hydration in care homes. We hope you found the session informative and valuable.

Our next session will be held on 26th November at 2pm with a focus on Continence Management.

We're delighted to be joined by Vanessa Gibbons, Clinical Lead for Nottinghamshire South Specialist Bladder and Bowel Services. Vanessa works closely with social care colleagues, providing clinical support, education and guidance in all aspects of continence care.

Vanessa's presentation will explore the key principles and best practices in providing continence care within social care environments. The aim is to promote dignity, comfort, and independence for individuals who experience bladder or bowel difficulties.

We will cover:

• Understanding Continence Care – what it involves and why it’s important.
• Person-Centred Support – tailoring care to individual needs, preferences, and routines.
• Causes of Incontinence – recognising medical, physical, and psychological factors.
• Assessment and Care Planning – the importance of professional assessment and regular reviews.
• Promoting Independence – enabling individuals to manage their continence with dignity.
• Hygiene and Skin Care – preventing infection and maintaining comfort.
• Environmental Factors – ensuring toilets and facilities are accessible and private.
• Communication and Dignity – using sensitivity and respect in all interactions.
• Staff Training – maintaining up-to-date knowledge and consistent care approaches.
• Record Keeping and Monitoring – supporting effective and consistent continence management.

We'll also be joined by Kate Heys, who works within the Bladder and Bowel Care Service in Devon. Kate’s team receives the paperwork for continence assessments and work together with the community teams and nursing/residential homes. They check the 3-day bladder diaries, bowel charts, authorise Tena prescriptions and deliver continence training to community nurses and care homes.

You can register for this session here.

You can also watch recordings of all five sessions on our website. Topics include, leading a team and supportive networks, APIE essentials for care home nurses, SBARs and deteriorating residents and the management of pain and identifying pain in dementia.

We look forward to seeing you at our next session on 26th November!