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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 that 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.
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