Do you need a Bowel Management Plan?

1. Who needs a Bowel Management Plan?

While everyone can benefit from healthy bowel habits, individuals with a current NDIS plan may particularly benefit from having a structured bowel management plan. These often include participants with/who have:

• Communication challenges
• Neurological conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease, which can affect bowel function
• Infrequent or not consistent bowel motions
• Specific dietary requirements or restrictions
• Live in a SIL or have a high support requirement
• Require use of assistive devices to go to the toilet
• Have routines that need to be followed
• Use aperients, enemas or other prescribed treatments for constipation
• Experiencing loose bowels or overflow
  

2. Benefits of a Bowel Management Plan

• Improved Quality of Life: By managing bowel symptoms effectively, individuals can experience fewer disruptions to their daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
• Prevention of Complications: Regular bowel movements and proper bowel management can help prevent complications such as constipation-related haemorrhoids, bowel obstructions, or fecal impaction.
• Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem: Maintaining bowel continence can boost confidence and self-esteem, reducing feelings of embarrassment or anxiety associated with fecal incontinence.
• Better Overall Health: A healthy bowel contributes to better overall health, as it ensures proper nutrient absorption, toxin elimination, and immune function.
• Increased Independence: With a well-designed bowel management plan, individuals can regain or maintain their independence and autonomy in managing their bowel health.
  

3. Creating a Bowel Management Plan

After an assessment and discussion our team will make a clear easy to follow personalised document with the following information:

• Clear Daily Plan: What to do day each day to support optimal bowel function.
• Dietary Recommendations: Adjustments in fiber intake, hydration, and meal timing can help regulate bowel movements and promote bowel regularity. Done so in conjunction with the participant's Dietician
• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and establishing a consistent toileting routine can support bowel health.
• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of bowel issues, medications such as laxatives, stool softeners, or antidiarrheals may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
• Bowel Training: Pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback therapy, or bowel retraining programs can help improve bowel control and function.

All of these discussions are in collaboration with your General Practitioner and Allied Health Team to ensure you are meeting your specific NDIS goals