--- title: What Is A Colostomy And Why Might Someone Need One | Homecare Services & Domiciliary Care canonical: https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-is-a-colostomy-and-why-might-someone-need-one last updated: 2026-03-21 21:21:52 GMT version: 1 --- # What is a colostomy and why might someone need one? A colostomy is an opening (stoma) created surgically in the abdomen so that stool can leave the body into a colostomy bag instead of passing through the rectum. It may be temporary or permanent. People may need a colostomy because of bowel cancer, diverticular disease, Crohn’s, injury, or other bowel conditions. At home, the focus is on keeping the stoma and skin healthy, managing bags confidently, and maintaining a lifestyle that still feels familiar and enjoyable, with support from family and trained carers if needed. ### Related FAQs - [Can Colostomy Care Be Safely Managed At Home?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-colostomy-care-be-safely-managed-at-home) - [How Often Should A Colostomy Bag Be Emptied Or Changed?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-often-should-a-colostomy-bag-be-emptied-or-changed) - [What Are The Signs Of Infection Or Complications Around A Stoma?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-are-the-signs-of-infection-or-complications-around-a-stoma) - [What If My Loved One Feels Embarrassed About Their Colostomy?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-if-my-loved-one-feels-embarrassed-about-their-colostomy) - [Can Someone With A Colostomy Shower Or Bathe Normally?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-someone-with-a-colostomy-shower-or-bathe-normally) - [How Can Diet Affect Colostomy Output?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-can-diet-affect-colostomy-output) - [Is It Possible To Sleep Comfortably With A Colostomy Bag?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/is-it-possible-to-sleep-comfortably-with-a-colostomy-bag) - [Can Someone With A Colostomy Still Go On Holiday Or Days Out?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-someone-with-a-colostomy-still-go-on-holiday-or-days-out) - [How Can Home Carers Help With Dignity During Colostomy Care?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-can-home-carers-help-with-dignity-during-colostomy-care) - [What If My Loved One Also Has Dementia Or Memory Problems?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-if-my-loved-one-also-has-dementia-or-memory-problems) - [Can Home Care Include Help With Other Personal Tasks As Well?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-home-care-include-help-with-other-personal-tasks-as-well) - [How Is Home Colostomy Care Funded?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-is-home-colostomy-care-funded) - [What Happens If There Is A Leak While We Are Out Or At Home?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-happens-if-there-is-a-leak-while-we-are-out-or-at-home) - [Can Someone With A Colostomy Live Independently If They Live Alone?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-someone-with-a-colostomy-live-independently-if-they-live-alone) - [How Do I Know If Home Care For Colostomy Support Is Right For Us?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-do-i-know-if-home-care-for-colostomy-support-is-right-for-us) - [What If Our Needs Change Over Time?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-if-our-needs-change-over-time) - [What Is A Colostomy And Why Might Someone Need One?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/what-is-a-colostomy-and-why-might-someone-need-one) - [Is Colostomy Care Painful?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/is-colostomy-care-painful) - [Can I Stay At Home After Colostomy Surgery Instead Of Going Into A Care Home?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-i-stay-at-home-after-colostomy-surgery-instead-of-going-into-a-care-home) - [Can Home Carers Help With Other Health Conditions As Well As Colostomy Care?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/can-home-carers-help-with-other-health-conditions-as-well-as-colostomy-care) - [Is Overnight Support Available For People With A New Colostomy?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/is-overnight-support-available-for-people-with-a-new-colostomy) - [How Do I Know If Home Colostomy Care Is Affordable For Us?](https://www.thegoodplace.care/search/how-do-i-know-if-home-colostomy-care-is-affordable-for-us) ### You Might Find These Helpful ## [Balancing work and caring when someone is nearing the end of life](https://www.thegoodplace.care/care-in-your-own-home/condition-led-care/end-of-life-care/balancing-work-and-caring-when-someone-is-nearing-the-end-of-life) [End of Life](https://www.thegoodplace.care/tag/End-of-Life) [Balancing work and caring when someone is nearing the end of life can feel emotionally and practically overwhelming. 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Many of our staff members provide essential care services to individuals in their own homes, often working alone without direct supervision. While this allows service users to maintain their independence and receive personalised care, it also presents specific risks to staff safety.](https://www.thegoodplace.care/policies-and-procedures/lone-working-and-staff-safety-policy-and-procedure?search-query=what is a colostomy and why might someone need one) ## [Planning days out and holidays when you have a colostomy](https://www.thegoodplace.care/care-in-your-own-home/condition-led-care/colostomy-care/planning-days-out-and-holidays-when-you-have-a-colostomy) [Colostomy Care](https://www.thegoodplace.care/tag/Colostomy-Care) [Planning days out and holidays when you have a colostomy becomes easier with the right support, routines, and practical preparation. We provide compassionate home care to help with confidence, personal tasks, meals, medication, and travel planning, so contact us to discuss support that fits your life.](https://www.thegoodplace.care/care-in-your-own-home/condition-led-care/colostomy-care/planning-days-out-and-holidays-when-you-have-a-colostomy) ## [Raising Concerns, Freedom to Speak Up and Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure](https://www.thegoodplace.care/policies-and-procedures/raising-concerns-freedom-to-speak-up-and-whistleblowing-policy-and-procedure?search-query=what is a colostomy and why might someone need one) [Policies & Procedures](https://www.thegoodplace.care/tag/Policies-_-Procedures) [We are committed to creating an open and honest workplace where employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns about wrongdoing, misconduct, or poor practice. 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Our flexible home care visits provide practical stoma help, gentle encouragement, and wider day-to-day assistance so you or your loved one can live confidently at home. 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