Faecal incontinence in residential homes for the elderly: prevalence, aetiology and management

Faecal incontinence occurring at least once weekly was found in 10.3% of residents in 30 residential homes for the elderly. Fifty-two randomly-selected incontinent residents were prescribed treatment and the outcome was compared with 30 incontinent residents acting as controls. The vast majority of all incontinent residents showed evidence of chronic brain failure (dementia). Incontinence had been present for over a year in 73%, yet only 4% had been referred to their general practitioner. Incontinence secondary to constipation or impaction and neurogenic incontinence were equally common. Full compliance with the recommended treatment was obtained in 66%, and 87% of these were cured. This compared with 32% of the control group during the same period (P less than 0.001). This study confirms that in the great majority of cases faecal incontinence in old people is both curable and preventable.