File on 4

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: Politics

Award-winning current affairs documentary series

Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad

BBC Radio 4 LW

File on 4: Dementia: The Final Indignity

Dementia: The Final Indignity

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Dementia: The Final Indignity

Are dementia patients being failed when it comes to their continence care?

Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to dementia patients and their families about their experience of intimate care in hospitals and the long-term consequences when it goes wrong.

Around 800,000 people have dementia in the UK. For those suffering from the illness, incontinence can often be seen an inevitable consequence - but that’s not always the case.  Deemed as too embarrassing or taboo, it’s a topic that rarely hits the spotlight. Experts say preserving someone’s ability to go to the toilet is crucial to maintaining their dignity and quality of life and should be a priority in care settings.  But is that always happening?  A new report shown exclusively to File on 4 has looked at how continence care is being managed in hospitals – and how, in some cases, those who are continent are actively encouraged to soil themselves.   Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to families who say their loved ones were ignored when it came to their continence needs in hospital and that the consequences have left them with health issues and requiring additional support. Nurses and medical staff say that continence training is often seen as a ‘Cinderella subject’.  We also hear from dementia patients themselves about why maintaining your own dignity and independence is so crucial with this disease.  With the government set to reveal a new dementia strategy this year, will continence care be placed higher up the agenda?

Reporter: Datshiane Navanayagam
Producers: Emma Forde, Annabel Deas and Scott Hesketh
Production Manager: Sarah Payton
Journalism Assistant: Tim Fernley
Editor: Carl Johnston

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

File on 4

Dementia: The Final Indignity

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4