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Banish Constipation: Easy Tips for Easier Bowel Movements

Tackling Constipation: New Guidelines ‌Yield ⁤Positive Results in Nursing Homes

Constipation, a ⁤common and often ‌debilitating condition, significantly impacts the quality ‌of life for many ⁢nursing home residents. A recent initiative, ⁢however, is ⁣showing⁤ promising results. ⁣ A new guideline developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals is revolutionizing how constipation is managed in long-term care facilities, leading to improved ​resident well-being.

The​ problem is widespread.Up to 80% of nursing home residents experience constipation at ‍some point,⁤ and the ‍rate is even higher among ‍those with intellectual disabilities, affecting 7 out of 10 ‌in institutional settings.⁢ This highlights the urgent​ need for effective and compassionate solutions.

Marleen Vingerhoed, ‌a wound nurse who piloted the new guideline at the Leyhoeve residential‌ care⁣ center, shared her experience: ‍ “We⁢ immediatly started‍ working on the advice. ⁣Our residents are now ⁤doing much better.” Her ⁢observations underscore the​ immediate positive impact of the updated approach.

The‍ guideline emphasizes a holistic approach, ‍focusing on lifestyle changes as a first line of defense. Vingerhoed​ explains, “it seems simple to look at‍ lifestyle, but it turns out to be very ⁣crucial. We have ⁣now set up an exercise hour with the physiotherapist. We​ no longer place residents who have difficulty walking in a wheelchair.‌ They’ll get there ​eventually. Employees help residents in ⁣the department to exercise more. ⁢Instead of⁢ immediately asking the doctor for the standard fiber drink movicolone in‌ case of constipation, we now first consult​ with the dietician about nutrition.”

A Critical Look​ at Medication

The guideline also encourages a critical review of medication.‍ Vingerhoed notes,“A realy good tip in the guideline. The soothing ⁢medications such as lorazepam and risperidone also literally give the intestines rest. Then⁢ they don’t work properly.​ And although we are very cautious about using tranquilizers for ⁣people with dementia, in many ⁢cases it⁤ turned out to​ be somewhat less effective‌ when we‌ took a critical look.” This highlights the importance of considering ⁤potential medication side ⁢effects in the context‌ of constipation.

Simple measures like ensuring adequate hydration also play a crucial role. ‍⁤ “That’s why we offer coffee, tea and water all day ​long. People also drink a lot of apple juice, the elderly like ⁣it sweet,” Vingerhoed explains. These small ​changes ‌can‌ make a meaningful difference in ⁤overall bowel health.

The results​ speak for themselves. Vingerhoed concludes, “They are less⁤ restless and seem to be in less pain. We healthcare ‍professionals⁤ also speak to each other if ⁤we think things ‌can be improved ​using ​the tips from the guideline. And ​our‍ knowledge⁤ is better ​now. So I was really ‍convinced that bananas have a⁤ stopping effect,” she concludes with a laugh.

This success story demonstrates the potential for ⁣significant enhancement in the ‌lives of nursing home residents​ through a comprehensive ⁤and proactive approach to constipation management. The ‍new guideline offers a beacon of⁣ hope,promising a ‌more agreeable and‌ healthier future⁣ for vulnerable populations.


Tackling Constipation: New Guidelines Yield Positive Results in ⁤Nursing Homes





Constipation, a common and ‍frequently enough debilitating condition, considerably ⁢impacts the quality of life for many nursing ​home ‌residents.⁤ A recent initiative,though,is ⁢showing promising ⁤results. A ‌new‍ guideline ‍developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals is revolutionizing how ⁢constipation‌ is managed in long-term care facilities, leading to improved resident‌ well-being. ⁣





A⁣ Conversation with‌ Dr. Emily Carter,⁢ Geriatric‍ Specialist





Senior Editor: Dr. carter, thank you for joining us today to discuss this crucial ​issue. Can ⁢you tell us more about the scope of the constipation problem in nursing homes?





Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely.Constipation is incredibly ‌prevalent in nursing homes, ‍affecting up to 80% of residents at⁢ some point. It’s even ⁤more common among those with intellectual disabilities, with rates as⁣ high as 70%. This underscores the urgent need for effective and compassionate solutions.





Lifestyle⁣ First: A Holistic Approach





Senior ⁤Editor: This new guideline emphasizes a holistic approach. Can you elaborate on what that means in practice?





Dr. Emily carter: ‍Exactly. The guideline moves away from solely​ relying on ⁣medication and ⁢rather focuses on lifestyle modifications as the first line of defense.We’re ‌talking about things like regular exercise, tailored to individual abilities,⁤ proper hydration, and ​dietary adjustments under the guidance of‍ a dietician. these⁢ seemingly small changes ‍can have a profound impact.





Re-evaluating Medication





Senior editor: The guideline⁣ also encourages a ‍critical review ⁢of medications.‍ Why is that important?





Dr.Emily Carter: Some‌ medications, such as antipsychotics, can unluckily have constipation as a side effect. The guideline encourages healthcare providers to​ consider these ⁣potential side ⁢effects and ​explore alternatives or dosage adjustments when appropriate.





Simple Solutions, Big Impact





Senior Editor: What are some of the simple changes that have made a big difference‌ in your experience?





Dr. Emily ‌Carter: Ensuring residents have easy access to fluids throughout ⁣the ‍day⁤ is‌ crucial. Offering a variety of beverages like ​water, tea, and even juice can encourage hydration. We’ve also found that structured exercise programs, even ⁤gentle activities, can be incredibly‌ beneficial.





A⁢ Brighter⁤ Outlook





Senior Editor: ‍ What are the most encouraging outcomes you’ve seen since implementing this new ⁣guideline?





Dr. ‍Emily Carter: It’s truly heartening to see residents‍ experience less discomfort and restlessness. They seem to be ​in less pain, ‌and their overall quality of​ life has improved. it’s a wonderful reminder that these ⁢seemingly simple changes can make a world of difference for vulnerable populations.

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