Complex bowel care is a type of personal support for people experiencing chronic issues with their bowel health.
It is a specialised support provided by trained support workers and carers. There are clear standards and guidelines for providing complex bowel care in both the health and disability sectors.
Some people feel embarrassed talking about their bowel movements, but a healthy bowel and digestive system is important to your quality of life. There is no such thing as ‘normal’ bowel function, but everyone has bowel habits that are usual for them.
Rhema Community Care offers specialized complex bowel care for individuals living with chronic bowel conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Our nurses work closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all of our patients receive the best possible care and support. We provide regular follow-up and monitoring to adjust treatment plans as needed and to ensure optimal outcomes. Our goal is to help our patients manage their condition and live as independently and comfortably as possible in their own homes.
Rhema Community Care also provide support and education for patients, family and carers on the overall management of the bowel condition, including diet and lifestyle changes, emotional support and other aspects of the care needed.
We also work closely with other healthcare providers such as gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and stoma care nurses to provide continuity of care for our patients.
You might need bowel care supports if you are having ongoing symptoms of diarrhoea, constipation, or faecal incontinence (passing stool without meaning to).
There are a number of disabilities and health conditions that can cause these symptoms. These can also occur with aging, or after child birth.
If you are experiencing any issues with your gastrointestinal health or passing stool, seek advice from your doctor. Treatments and supports are available.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, or for further tests. They might also ask you to keep a record of your bowel movements to identify any patterns in your symptoms. Tools such as the Bristol Stool Chart can help with this. Complex bowel care may involve noting your bowel movements and recording any patterns and changes including how long bowel movements take, as well as listing the kinds of foods you eat and amount of fluid consumed throughout the day. You may also be required to take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Remember, a healthy gastrointestinal system is vital to your quality of life. There is no shame in seeking help.
