Department of Health

Glossary

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Percent of Low-Risk Residents Who Lose Control of Their Bowels or Bladder

This measure indicates the percentage of residents who often lose control of their bowels or bladder. This information is only based on residents who have a low risk for losing control of their bowel or bladder. Residents have a "low risk" for losing bowel and bladder control if they do not have severe dementia (memory loss) or if they are well able to move on their own.

Why is this information important?

Loss of bowel or bladder control is not a normal sign of aging and can often be successfully treated. Loss of bowel and bladder control can be affected by:

• physical problems (like constipation, muscle weakness, or a bladder infection),
• location problems (like the bathroom is too far away),
• reaction to medication,
• limited ability to walk or move around,
• diet and fluid intake,
• toilet routine (timing trips to the bathroom),
• whether someone can provide assistance when needed, and
• certain medical conditions, e.g., diabetes, dementia, spinal cord injury, or neurological disease.

Finding the cause of a problem with bowel or bladder control and treating it is important for many reasons. Physically, it can help prevent infections and pressure sores. Mentally, treatment can help the well being of the resident by restoring dignity and social interaction. Fewer residents with bowel and bladder control can give the nursing home staff more time to provide other care.