When a person becomes very ill, they may have problems with controlling their urine and stool. This can be very upsetting and embarrassing to the patient and caregiver. You, the caregiver have to be very kind and understanding and maintain your loved one's dignity. Another problem that may occur is lack of (decreased output) urine or stool. Urine and stool incontinence Place a chux or absorbent paper under the patient. Change the patient when they are soiled with either urine or stool, wearing protective gloves. Wash the area with warm soapy water, rinse and completely dry. Apply lotion to reddened areas. Use the technique of rolling the patient from side to side to change the chux, absorbent paper or diapers. Small amount of urine If a patient has not urinated in 12 hours and/or the stomach appears bloated or enlarged, call the Hospice nurse. This may be due to small amounts of liquids taken by the patient, or inability to urinate on their own. Foley CareMany patients come home with a foley catheter. This is a small, flexible rubber-like tube anchored with a balloon inserted into the bladder, which allows urine to flow through to a large collection bag. This enables the patient to remain dry. Put on protective gloves, wash the area where the tube enters the body with warm, soapy water; washing and rinsing away from the body. Rinse well and completely dry. This should be done at least once a day. Make sure tubing from patient to collection bag is without kinks, or folds. Always place collection bag below the patient. This is so gravity will draw urine into the bag. Sometimes a foley catheter will leak. If that happens, place a chux or absorbent pad under the patient. Call the Hospice nurse and she will evaluate the problem. Empty collection bag two times a day. There is a special spout at the bottom of the bag. The nurse or home health aid will demonstrate how this is done. ConstipationHospice patients often experience constipation due to decreased physical activity, changes in diet, some treatments or medications. Here are some suggestions that may help. Increase the patient's activity if possible. Increase fluids and fiber in the patient's diet, if tolerated, such as water, juices, fruits, bran, vegetables. Provide stool softeners and laxatives as instructed DiarrheaPoor digestion and absorption along with certain treatments and medications may cause the patient to experience diarrhea. Here are some guidelines to follow. Review patient's dietary intake for the past 24 hours. Increase fluid intake Encourage the patient to eat small amounts frequently. Provide foods that are mild and tend not to cause diarrhea, e.g. rice, bananas, applesauce (no skins) or toast.
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