Aged Care Insite Australia's number one aged care news source
Upgrades improve access for non-English speakers, allow better communication with doctors.
Imagine trying to talk about incontinence with someone who doesn’t speak your language. That’s the reality for many people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
The Continence Foundation of Australia has set up 27 new bilingual pages on its website – each features a different language along with English translation – to help health professionals and their non-English speaking patients communicate better.
The idea is that English-speaking health professionals can read the content along with their patients. And each page also links to 17 downloadable, bilingual factsheets on some of the most common incontinence issues (such as bedwetting, prostate health, pelvic floor muscles, pregnancy concerns and bowel control).
One-quarter of Australians over the age of 15 are affected by some form of incontinence, and most won’t discuss the issue with anyone, not even their doctor.
Amongst some ethnic groups, the stigma and shame associated with incontinence is even more pronounced; the web pages help dispel myths and raise awareness of the many supports and services available.
Patients are encouraged to call the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66), which is staffed by continence nurse advisers who provide advice, referrals and resources to the public and health professionals. Non-English speaking patients can access an interpreter beforehand through the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450.
For more information about the Continence Foundation, go to continence.org.au
Do you have an idea for a story?Email [email protected]
Get the news delivered straight to your inbox
Receive the top stories in our weekly newsletter Sign up now