When a loved one is diagnosed with an ostomy, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to caregiving. Ostomies are not common, so there may be some things you don’t know about them. In this article, you will get some tips that will help you take care of your loved ones and make their lives easier!
Get The Right Equipment
You will need the best possible equipment in order to help out your loved one with an issue like this. There are lots of Ostomy components that you will need. For one, you should get an ostomy belt. This will help to hold everything in place and make sure that there are no leaks. You should also get some barrier wipes, which will help to clean the skin around the stoma.
And finally, you will need some Ostomy deodorant, which will help to mask any odor that might come from the stoma itself. These are just a few of the things that you should get in order to help out your loved one.
Learn About Ostomy
You have to learn everything there is about an ostomy in order to provide the best help you can. This means doing research and studying for when it’s time to put everything into practice.
You’ll need to empty the Ostomy bag when it gets full. This is called “changing.” Again, your doctor will show you how to do this. It’s not difficult, but it takes a little getting used to.
If you have any questions about caring for someone with an ostomy, you can reach out to forums where people will gladly answer anything that you’re concerned about. They will be more than happy to help!
Pouch Care
There are some things you need to do in order to care for the ostomy pouch the right way. These are the following:
- Change the pouch every time it gets full.
- If the stoma output is thick, change the pouch more frequently.
- When changing the pouch, cleanse the skin around the stoma with mild soap and water.
- Be sure to dry the area before applying a new pouch.
It’s also important to empty your ostomy pouch regularly, even if it isn’t full. This will help to prevent bacteria from building up inside the pouch and causing an infection. You should empty your pouch when you go to the bathroom, and also give it a good rinse with plain water afterward. Be sure to dry it off before putting a new one on.
Pouch care may seem like a lot of work, but it’s important to do in order to keep your loved one healthy and comfortable. With a little practice, it will become second nature.
Fistula Management
The fistula is the connection between the two stomas. It must be managed to prevent leakage and infection. The fistula should be cleaned daily with soap and water. A fistula brush can be used to clean the inside of the fistula.
The skin around the fistula should also be cleaned. The area should be dried thoroughly before applying a barrier cream or ointment. The barrier cream or ointment will help to protect the skin from moisture and bacteria.
Make Sure They Follow Their Diet
There’s a strict diet that comes with having an ostomy, and it’s important that your loved one follows it to the letter. This means making sure they’re getting enough of the right nutrients and avoiding anything that could cause blockages.
If they’re not following their diet, it could lead to serious health problems down the road. So, it’s important to be proactive and make sure they’re eating right. You can do this by preparing meals with them or making sure they have access to the right food.
You should also talk to their doctor about their diet and make sure you understand everything. This way, you can help them stick to their diet and stay healthy. Thanks for reading!
Skincare
This is another factor you should consider when caring for someone with an ostomy. The skin around the stoma is very delicate and can easily become irritated. This can cause a lot of discomfort for your loved ones, so it’s important to take care of their skin.
You can do this by using Ostomy skincare products that are designed to protect the skin. These products will help to keep the skin healthy and free from irritation. There are a variety of different products on the market, so talk to their doctor about which ones would be best for your loved one.
In Conclusion
An ostomy can be nasty, but with the right equipment and education, it’ll be a lot easier. Make sure to care for the pouch the right way and manage the fistula accordingly. See if they follow their diet and care for their skin. Your loved one will feel better in no time!
