Bowel Care

Yes, we regularly support people who live with both dementia and bowel incontinence. These situations can be particularly stressful for families, because communication and understanding may be reduced. Our carers draw on both dementia care and continence training to create calm, predictable routines, using gentle prompts, visual cues, and reassuring language. We can help with regular toileting, pad changes, clothing and bedding, and soothing any distress if accidents occur. We’ll also look at the environment — for example, making the bathroom easy to find and comfortable — and work alongside you to adjust support as the condition changes. This can greatly reduce strain on relatives and improve dignity for the person living with dementia.

Our visits are designed to fit your life rather than the other way round. Some people need short, frequent calls throughout the day to support toileting and continence product changes. Others prefer longer visits that combine bowel care with washing, dressing, meals, and light housework. We can also offer early morning or late evening support and, where appropriate, night-time visits. As your needs change — for example, after a hospital stay or if symptoms improve — we can review and adjust the schedule. The aim is always to create a pattern of support that feels sustainable, dignified, and reassuring for you and your family.

What you eat and drink has a big impact on how your bowels behave. For many people, staying well-hydrated and eating enough fibre helps prevent constipation, while others with specific conditions may need a modified diet. Some foods can trigger bloating, cramps, or diarrhoea, so keeping a simple food and symptom diary can be useful. Our carers can support you to follow the advice of your GP or dietitian, encourage regular drinks, and help prepare suitable meals or snacks. Through our meal preparation support, we can also help you shop for and cook foods that are easier to digest, while watching for any patterns that may need discussion with a health professional.

Yes, bowel issues often affect sleep, and we understand that nights can be particularly challenging. We offer flexible overnight care where a carer is present to help with toileting, pad changes, or bathroom trips, reducing the risk of falls and giving reassurance. Some people need only occasional overnight support during a flare-up or while recovering from surgery, while others benefit from ongoing night-time help. Overnight care can also be a vital break for family members who have been getting up multiple times a night. We’ll work with you to decide whether a waking night or a sleep-in arrangement is most appropriate, based on safety, frequency of support, and your preferences.

Getting started is straightforward. You can contact us to talk through what you or your loved one are experiencing, and we’ll arrange a visit or call to understand your needs in more detail. We will discuss the type of help you’d like, the times of day that are most important, and any existing medical advice you’ve been given. From there, we’ll create a personalised care plan and agree a schedule of visits, which can be adjusted as things change. We can also signpost you to information about care costs and funding options so that you can make informed decisions. Our team is here to listen, not to rush you, and we’ll support you step by step.

Many different people can benefit from bowel care support at home. Some have long-term conditions such as bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, or spinal cord injury. Others may be recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a serious infection. Older adults often experience constipation, reduced mobility, or continence changes that make getting to the toilet harder. People with learning disabilities or mental health needs may also need help to follow routines or communicate discomfort. Sometimes, family members are providing most of the care but want professional support with intimate tasks, or just need a break. Whatever the reason, our aim is to make bowel care safer, more comfortable, and less stressful for everyone involved.

Yes, we support people with a wide range of long-term bowel conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, and others. The type and level of help will depend on your symptoms and how they fluctuate. For some, the focus is on practical support during flare-ups: helping with urgent toilet visits, managing fatigue, and ensuring you have regular fluids and appropriate food. Others may need longer-term help with personal hygiene, laundry, and emotional reassurance. We can also assist you in keeping symptom and medication records to discuss with your healthcare team, and adapt our support plan as your condition changes over time.

Bowel care in a home setting includes all the practical and emotional support someone needs to manage their bowels day to day. That might involve help getting to and from the toilet, following a bowel routine, managing constipation or diarrhoea, changing pads or clothing, and keeping the skin clean and comfortable. It can also include support with stoma care, catheter or continence products where this is part of a wider care plan. Importantly, good bowel care at home is also about preserving privacy and dignity, listening to the person’s preferences, and helping them feel in control of what happens and when. Our carers work to a personalised care plan based on clinical advice, so that what we do is safe, respectful, and centred on the person’s goals.

Caring for someone with bowel problems can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially if you’re also juggling work, children, or your own health needs. Many family carers tell us they feel tired, isolated, or worried about doing things correctly. It’s important to remember you do not have to manage alone. We can provide regular visits to handle intimate tasks, offer sitting and companionship so you can have a break, or step in with household help to ease your workload. Talking honestly with your GP about carer stress and exploring a care needs assessment can also open doors to extra support.

We proudly provide high-quality home care across the East Midlands, in an around the towns and cities detailed below.