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Fecal Incontinence
Tips for Caregivers for Managing the Condition
By Kelly Burgess
Morris also suggests these tips:
- Have your loved one wear elastic waist pants.
- Be sure you're always near a bathroom.
- Use liners under bedsheets and under seats.
Another important issue concerning bowel incontinence is skin care. Fecal matter can break down the skin very quickly, possibly leading to serious skin infections. Dr. Zutshi suggests gently cleansing the area, applying a zinc oxide ointment and using maximum absorbency disposable undergarments, making sure your loved one changes them frequently. If redness, rash or bleeding develops, consult your loved one's doctor immediately.
Morris says bowel incontinence is something caregivers seem to dread more than any other issue. However, Morris also notes that many people who don't think they can handle the issue of bowel incontinence go on to do so just as they deal with each stage of caregiving.
Some of this dread is a natural aversion toward dealing with feces, but a large part of it is embarrassment at having to provide such a basic service to another adult, particularly if that adult is a parent. Morris understands, having been through it with her own father. She says it's important to handle the issue gently and with compassion.
"This can be mortifying for your loved one, and they may even try to hide it from you," she says. "It's important to help them understand that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Difficult as this may seem now, all aspects of caregiving have their rewards, and this is merely one aspect of the caregiving journey."
