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markevans999 Asked June 2019

Father started having bowel movement accidents daily. Any suggestions?

95 year old dad has started having accidents several times a day. My 90 year old mom is having a hard time dealing with this. It started about 2 weeks ago. Any suggestions?


Also, any creme or ointment to treat his bottom. It's really getting sore.

cwillie Jun 2019
It could just be that he isn't able to control when he goes but it could be something treatable so the first thing to do is to make an appointment with his doctor. Beyond that:

Some of our forum members have mentioned that food intolerances can develop as we age - dairy was one but there may be others.

One of my family members was prescribed psyllium (Metamucil) to bulk up his bowel movements, it's not just for constipation. One caution there is to make sure he is drinking enough or you may end up with the opposite problem.

Probiotic capsules may also be helpful.

cwillie Jun 2019
I do hope he is wearing some type of incontinence product?

Any of the things used to treat baby's bottoms will work for adults too, I've always liked the zinc oxide products. Baby wipes do a good job helping to clean up as well, but nothing beats a good daily wash if possible.
Beyond that you need to look for the root cause, do you have any idea what might be causing him to go so frequently? Is this something new or is it just that he isn't making it to the toilet on time anymore?
markevans999 Jun 2019
sometimes he can't make it to the toilet. other times he has an accident when he stands up. it's been getting worse over the past month.

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Countrymouse Jun 2019
If your father hasn't already received medical attention for this, your mother should seek it urgently. A change in bowel habit - diarrhoea, for example - and sudden incontinence are both serious symptoms; and if his skin is breaking down that needs examination and treatment too.

Does your mother have any practical help with your father's care? Any visiting aides or nurses?

Meanwhile, as an immediate thing, you might like to search 'continence care products' and browse the leading companies. There are - dozens! of different types of pads, washable furniture protection, disinfectants, cleansers and protective creams and lotions on the market.

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