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Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent and costly problem among the homebound elderly. Home health care nurses are in an excellent position to implement interventions that will reduce inconti nence within this population. Following the clinical guidelines published by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, a Visiting Nurse Association in New Jersey offers continence restoration interventions to its clients. With the use of pelvic muscle exercises as the behavioral intervention of choice, stress and urge incontinence have been significantly reduced. Measured outcomes support both the clinical and cost effectiveness of these nursing interventions. Key words: urinary inconti nence, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, pelvic muscle exercises, measured outcomes

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Continence restoration in the homebound elderly: Interventions and outcomes

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