Colostomy care for elderly adults at home
Expert colostomy care at home from experienced, trusted Care Professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by those living with a stoma.
What is colostomy care?
Colostomy care helps anyone living with a stoma, which is an opening in the body created to allow waste to exit into a specialised pouch system. Someone may have a stoma if they have had surgery to remove part of their colon, rectum or intestines, for example, if they have colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Stoma management is not always easy for older adults who struggle with health issues, so colostomy care might involve:
- Personal care and hygiene, such as changing stoma pouches
- Managing stressful leaks
- Managing skincare around the stoma site
- Recognising any signs of infection and taking action promptly
- Providing emotional support for the challenges of stoma care
Home help, running errands and taking over other strenuous tasks
Why is colostomy care at home important for older adults?
In older adults, studies suggest a strong link between having a stoma, and having worse physical function and quality of life. Such a big physical change is typically best handled in the comfort of one’s own home, where older people can learn to manage their own stoma, and have access to anything they need as they get used to things like leaks or the dietary and hydration changes often required.
Having colostomy care at home enables older adults to make manageable adjustments to their regular routines, continue hobbies, see loved ones, and remain part of their community – with a little help at home, all of this is still possible. You can learn more in our article: Living With A Stoma For Older Adults
Do I need colostomy care?
Managing a stoma alone is challenging, but especially so for older adults with mobility or dexterity issues. At-home colostomy care offers peace of mind, with a trained professional always around to help.
From transport to stoma-related check-ups, to offering emotional support and reassurance as you adjust to this new lifestyle, colostomy care can shoulder some of the burden. This is particularly important for those with health issues requiring more support, such as visual impairments that make stoma changes difficult, or those with dementia who may not remember to perform changes.
If you are unsure whether you or your loved one needs colostomy care, you can arrange a Care Needs Assessment, speak to your GP, or reach out to our helpful team.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
Are you in need of a little guidance right away?
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.Paul and Sandra, Clients
My mum receives excellent care from Home Instead. They are all very caring, friendly, organised and help my mum to feel happy, safe and well cared for in her own home. The carers are very good at communicating with the office and in turn the office are great at communicating any concerns to me as situations arise.Jane, Client's Family
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How to get started arranging colostomy care
If you need colostomy care at home, there are a few ways you can implement this around your current routines, and our aim is always to ensure you get exactly the care you need. Our friendly Care Professionals offer flexibility, so you can choose whether you need visiting care to pop in several times a day for colostomy care, or if you would prefer live-in care so there is always someone around when you need them.
We always go the distance to understand your unique needs, and aim to pair you with a compassionate Care Professional with the experience of stoma management, a personality to complement yours, and an understanding of the support needed to help you maintain your quality of life and confidence as you manage this new medical need.
Why Home Instead?
Stigma still exists around stomas, and this can lead to a number of mental health issues arising alongside the physical adjustments you need to make. Our expert Care Professionals are here to ensure this transition is as easy and stress-free as possible so you can maintain the quality of life you deserve.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). With our experience of stoma management, and understanding of the emotional challenges this can cause, we help to design a colostomy care routine that empowers you to improve your confidence, maintain your lifestyle, and live the way you want to.
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FAQs
How can home care support individuals with a colostomy?
Our Care Professionals can provide assistance with stoma care, including changing and cleaning colostomy bags, monitoring the stoma site for signs of infection, and ensuring proper hygiene to maintain comfort and health.
Can home care help people adjust to life with a colostomy?
Yes, a Care Professional offers guidance and emotional support to help individuals adapt to their new routine. They provide education on managing the colostomy, building confidence, and addressing concerns about daily activities or social situations.
How do home care services ensure proper stoma care?
All our Care Professionals are trained to clean and care for the stoma site, apply and remove colostomy bags correctly, and monitor for issues like skin irritation or leakage. They also ensure supplies are well-stocked and used appropriately.
How do home care services handle dietary needs for individuals with a colostomy?
Our Care Professionals can assist with basic dietary support based on provided guidance, helping individuals follow any nutrition plans recommended by healthcare teams. They also monitor for any food-related issues and help individuals identify foods that work best for them.
How does home care maintain dignity and privacy during colostomy care?
Our Care Professionals approach colostomy care with sensitivity and respect, ensuring privacy and involving the individual in decisions about their care. They focus on creating a supportive and comfortable environment.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.