What are the Possible Causes of Constipation in Seniors?
While each situation is different, some causes seem to center around constipation, which means they deserve attention as home care and seniors work to manage constipation issues. Some of those causes are listed below:
- Decreased Physical Activity: People tend to become less physically active as they get older, which might impede digestion and make constipation more likely.
- Medication: Many seniors take prescription medications to treat a variety of illnesses. Opioids, antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers are a few examples of medications that can have the side effect of constipation.
- Dietary Factors: Constipation may result from a diet lacking in water and fiber. Seniors may also have trouble swallowing or chewing some meals, which can result in a diet deficient in fiber. With home care’s help, seniors can modify their diets to benefit them rather than harm them.
- Muscle Weakness: Seniors may find it more difficult to pass gas during their bowel movements if they have weak abdominal or pelvic floor muscles.
- Medical Conditions: Seniors who have long-term health issues such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience constipation.
Constipation Prevention Techniques
With the help of home care, seniors can incorporate prevention techniques like the ones below:
- Increased Fiber Intake: To encourage regular bowel movements, seniors can be encouraged to eat more foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Elder care can assist with meal planning when needed.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps to soften stools and stave off constipation. It’s important for seniors to make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Frequent Exercise: To promote bowel motions, seniors should be encouraged to exercise on a frequent basis, even if it’s simply light exercise like stretching or walking. With home care by their side, they can start out slow.
- Medication Management: Seniors should talk with their healthcare practitioner about possible substitutes or adjustments if their drugs are making them constipated.
- Bowel Training: Creating a consistent restroom schedule might aid with regularity and bowel training.
- Over-the-Counter Treatments: Seniors may benefit from using over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners in certain circumstances, but they should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
- Medical Intervention: Seniors experiencing severe or chronic constipation should consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss the best course of action.
Constipation affects a lot of seniors and can have serious consequences for their health and general well-being. With the help of home care, seniors can take proactive measures to support digestive health and enhance their overall quality of life by learning about the causes, dangers, and management techniques for constipation.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Glenside, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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