Curated Content

Published at Health In Aging

Constipation occurs when bowel movements are small, hard, and dry and happen three times a week or less. If more than three days pass without a bowel movement, the contents of the intestines may harden. This can make it difficult or painful for the person to have a bowel movement.

As a Caregiver, your goals are to:

  • Relieve the older person’s constipation
  • Prevent constipation by providing plenty of water and other liquids
  • Serving foods rich in fiber
  • Encouraging exercise
  • Call for professional help when needed

You may think the older person hasn’t eaten enough to be constipated. However, the body makes waste products and stools even when people eat very little. Little physical activity or certain medicines can make constipation more likely to happen.

This article, published at Health In Aging, outlines things you can do as a caregiver to minimize the likelihood of constipation. 

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Through the Health in Aging Foundation, we advance a commitment to helping older adults and caregivers maintain health, independence, and quality of life.