People with additional support needs may not always have a strong sense of personal worth. This is why we must promote positive holistic lifestyles, attitudes and values. 

Consider the value of being “problem free” and being able to manage our own personal health and regularity, to be free from chronic or acute discomfort and the fear of impending and unforeseen incidents during your day.

Is gut health and regularity a valued state of well-being?

Is being free of intrusive procedures and the imposition of treatment a positive image to portray?

Is it culturally normal in our society to receive medical interventions such as an enema or a suppository every few days for the rest of your life?

The implications of these statements are to recognise that bowel health as is whole health and regularity is not just a health maintenance issue alone. It should also be perceived as a personal development issue where an individual’s reliance on external influence is able to be diminished over a given period of time. Our aim is to provide people with the means of being more self-reliant and independent, by providing them with the appropriate supports that will in turn give them more control, self-worth, and dignity. Personal development can then be achieved.

The importance of Gut health 

Gut health is crucial because it plays a significant role in overall well-being. Here’s why it’s important and how it can contribute to irregularity:

1. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: The gut is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A healthy gut ensures efficient digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, which are vital for maintaining overall health and supporting bodily functions.

2. Immune Function: A large portion of the body’s immune system resides in the gut. A healthy gut helps to keep the immune system balanced and functioning properly, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.

3. Mental Health: The gut and the brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut can positively influence mental health by producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood and behavior.

4. Regulation of Inflammation: An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation in the gut, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and autoimmune conditions.

5. Regularity: The gut plays a crucial role in bowel movements and maintaining regularity. When the gut microbiota is imbalanced or there are issues with digestion, it can lead to constipation or diarrhea, resulting in irregular bowel movements.

Factors that can disrupt gut health and contribute to irregularity include:

• Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and low in fiber can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to digestive issues.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to digestive problems.

• Stress: Chronic stress can impact gut health by altering gut motility and increasing inflammation, leading to digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea.

• Lack of Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes gut motility and can help prevent constipation.

• Imbalance in Gut Microbiota: An imbalance in the types and diversity of gut bacteria can disrupt digestion and lead to irregular bowel movements.

Maintaining a healthy gut through a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding factors that can disrupt gut health can help prevent digestive issues and promote regularity.

Is constipation related to gut health?

Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. Constipation is fairly common. A lack of dietary fiber, fluids and exercise can cause constipation. But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause

The gut microbiome and its dysbiosis (an imbalance in bacteria) has been linked to a range of conditions, including mental health , heart disease , menopause , autoimmune disease , and a variety of gut conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and constipation .

Why do we need to address the issue of regularity 

Constipation can lead to various complications, including:

1. Hemorrhoids: Straining during bowel movements can cause swelling or inflammation of the blood vessels in the rectum and anus.

2. Anal fissures: Hard stools can cause tears in the lining of the anus, leading to painful fissures or cracks.

3. Rectal prolapse: Chronic straining can weaken the muscles and tissues in the rectum, causing it to protrude from the anus.

4. Fecal impaction: Severe constipation can result in a large, hard mass of stool becoming stuck in the rectum, making it difficult or impossible to pass.

5. Bowel obstruction: In rare cases, constipation may lead to a blockage in the intestines, preventing stool from passing through.

6. Rectal bleeding: Straining and passing hard stools can cause bleeding from the rectum or anal fissures.

7. Complications with urinary system: Pressure from a full rectum due to constipation can affect nearby structures, leading to urinary problems such as difficulty urinating or urinary retention.

8. Compromised quality of life: Chronic constipation can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to discomfort, anxiety, and reduced mobility.

The Bowel Health Plan; Who needs a bowel health plan?

It’s not hard to figure out if someone needs help with their bowel movements. Everyone’s body works differently, so what’s normal for one person might not be the same for someone else. For example, some people go to the bathroom twice a day, while others might only go every two days, and that’s okay as long as they’re not uncomfortable. But ideally, it’s good for everyone to go once or twice a day. This plan is for those who need some guidance to keep their bowels healthy. Once we know someone needs help, we can make a plan to get them back on track.

When putting together a Bowel Health Plan, it’s important to gather specific information, such as:

1. How long the person has been relying on laxatives or similar products.

2. Whether the person has experienced a paralyzed bowel before. (This should be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional.)

3. Any past habits, like not having regular access to a toilet or commode, that might affect their bowel function.

4. Any other health issues that are happening at the same time and might impact their bowel regularity, such as allied health concerns.

In order to collect data relating to each individual the Health Professional such as the Allied Health Professional ( Registered Nurse, Developmental Educator (D.E.) etc ) involved will have to interview the staff familiar with that individual and ask a series of pertinent questions relating to each individual and their preferences and habits. To assist in this process a list of standard questions has been devised which can be used in the interview. The data collected is important in ensuring a high quality “Bowel Health Programme”.

The “Bowel Health Programme” is based on a broad problem solving schedule where the Allied Health / RN / D.E. will carry out the following: 

(1) Identify the presenting issues

(2) Formulate the objectives – long term 

-short term

(3) Plan and implement the intervention

(4) Evaluate the intervention (after a given period of time).

It is in the planning of the proposed action that it is essential to enlist as much help as possible from direct care providers in order to obtain a workable procedure.

REMEMBER

Involve people who know the e.g. parents, direct care providers & local doctors etc.

THE PROCESS; IMPLEMENTING THE BOWEL HEALTH PROGRAMME

To achieve and deliver high-quality care, systems addressing individual bowel health must incorporate effective planning and monitoring methods. 

Previous intervention systems must be evaluated and if found lacking in meeting individual needs; (e based on medical models or institutional routines only) need to be addressed reviewed and a more holistic way implemented.

The Bowel Health Programme at an organizational level aims to achieve the following:

1. Provision of a Bowel Health Programme: This program is designed for relevant caregivers and self carers who focus on promoting and maintaining optimal bowel health.
2. Creation of a Comprehensive Programme: This outlines the programme and includes essential assessment and recording tools.
3. Staff / Self Training: Staff members should receive training to assist with assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating bowel health strategies.

If you are a self carer or a family carer then take the key principles and put them to work for yourself. If you need care and support ensure that your home care providers are skilled competent and diligent. 

We need to look at are some common strategies to promote bowel health:

1. Dietary Fiber: Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, helps maintain regular bowel movements.
2. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated supports healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
3. Regular Exercise: Physical activity stimulates bowel function and prevents stagnation.
4. Avoiding Excessive Laxative Use: While laxatives can provide short-term relief, relying on them excessively can disrupt natural bowel function.
5. Proper Toilet Habits: Taking time to sit comfortably and allowing sufficient privacy during bowel movements can help prevent strain.
6. Stress Management: Chronic stress can affect bowel function, so practicing relaxation techniques is beneficial.

Remember that individual needs may vary, so it is essential to consult a home and healthcare professional for personalized advice. 

For a professional consultation about your Home and Community care needs phone BLU SKY CARE  

For more detailed in-depth information go to The Home & Community Carers Handbook 2024 (available by order through BluSky Care tel:+61884631333 ($90 plus postage)

A De Maria Blu Sky Care

B App Sc (Dev Disabilities) Cert IV Aged Care Cert IV Mental Health MDN Cert IV TAA

Blu Sky Care is a Registered NDIS Provider committed to providing a high standard of Complex Care services to people requiring support. We understand the struggles, and are committed to personal and family solutions.