Ask ARN: Bowel and bladder incontinence issues in aquatic therapy

The Aquatic Resources Network gets questions from clinicians each day. We think everyone should learn from the answers!

Question: We have an interest and need to work with our residents in our therapy pool.  However, several of these residents have incontinence issues (bladder and/or bowel).  What products can you recommend that have been tried, tested and proven?

Answer: Incontinence often stands in the way for patients to experience the joys and triumphs associated with aquatic therapy. And although bowel incontinence can be a strong precaution -- or even a contraindication - for water therapy, bladder incontinence should not be.

Fecal contamination of pool water can cause serious illnesses. Ingestion of contaminated water while swimming, inhalation of water vapor above the pool surface, and body contact with pathogenic organisms and absorption through the skin, body orifices or open wounds while swimming can result in transmission of a variety of diseases.

To lessen the probability of fecal contamination, ask clients to use the toilet. Do not permit diaper changing at poolside. Request that patrons not use the pool if they are suffering from an illness that causes diarrhea or have had diarrhea in the past two weeks. Require the wearing of "swimsuit diapers" or tight fitting rubber/plastic pants by children who are not yet toilet trained or individuals who do not have bowel control. Request that patrons remove their street shoes when walking on the pool deck.

Read more ...including sample bowel and bladder incontinence policy and procedure.

Link to Kiefer incontinence pants

Link to Sprint Aquatics incontinence pants:
Disposable retainers
Youth sized disposable retainers
Swim diapers