The Continence Foundation of Australia is experiencing exciting times! In May 98, the Australian Government announced their "Staying at Home" package as part of the federal budget, an incentive directed at keeping older citizens out of nursing homes and improving their quality of life at home.
The good news for the Foundation was that $15 million would be allocated to continence promotion and management. As the Australian peak body in this area of health, the Foundation received an injection of government funding which will facilitate an improved range and quality of services and to raise continence awareness.
The major project will be a National HelpLine, staffed by caring and professional Nurse Continence Advisers who will be available to give advice on strategies and continence products to sufferers, their carers and to other health professionals. Furthermore, the computer data gathered will add to research knowledge and be used to evaluate and refine programs to further improve services, training and effectiveness.
To date the Foundation has been almost entirely self-funded. This boost to continence promotion in the form of government funding will help to bring Australia into line with other developed countries. This outcome results not only from the dedication and commitment of our Members, Board and staff but from the considerable support and advice received from industry. This formidable team looks forward to bringing continence "out of the closet" mainly through an exciting "take Control" media campaign scheduled for launch in September.
At the time of writing, the Foundation is poised to move into new premises - to the Australian Medical Association Building in Parkville on the fringe of Melbourne's Central Business District. CFA will have more space, an efficient office layout and improved "corporate image" as the Foundation enthusiastically embarks on a period of rapid growth. CFA should be "up and running" in its new home in time for the start of National Continence Awareness Week, from 2nd to 8th August.