Lay summary
Dementia is the largest single contributor to disability and need for care among older adults. Dementia is accompanied by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with the performance of activities of daily living, including toileting. Caregivers rate the independent use of the toilet as the most important activity that they would like the person living with dementia to retain. However, there is no structured care pathway for continence care for Māori/non-Māori older people living with dementia in the community, and the evidence to guide practice is limited. This project will investigate the extent of the challenge (prevalence of urinary and faecal incontinence for Māori/non-Māori people living with dementia in the community), and the current practices of professionals, Māori/non-Māori people living with dementia, caregivers, and whānau/family. We will identify promising strategies for promoting continence and managing incontinence and co-develop culturally appropriate guidelines and support materials intended to improve outcomes.