When you are caring for someone who has both a stoma and cognitive impairment, you will play a major role when it comes to maintaining their stoma routine. This can seem challenging, but with the right guidance you’ll find a way that works for you both.

Preparation is key, so before you change their pouch, wash your hands with warm soapy water and make sure all the items you need are close at hand. If your loved one can help, get them to wear gloves in case they come into contact with any output and avoid any mess.

These practical tips should also make a pouch change much easier:

• If your loved one is able to help during pouch changes, help them by giving short and clear instructions, repeated several times.
• Devising a step-by-step written or visual guide might help.
• Before each step, explain what you are about to do.
• Develop your routine together and get your loved one involved by asking them to pass or hold items.
• Carry out your pouching routine in the same place each time where possible.
• If your loved one is restless during pouch changes, encourage them to perform another task such as brushing their hair, to distract them.
• If it helps, stand in front of a mirror, so your loved one can see what you’re doing.
• To stop your loved one accidentally removing their pouch, try tucking their top into their underwear for extra security.
• If you notice your loved one touching their pouch it might mean that it is full and needs to be drained or changed.
• If your loved one wakes in the night, the chances are that their pouch needs to be emptied, so always check to avoid accidents.

To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.

If you have any concerns about your stoma care routine always speak to your loved one’s stoma care nurse or our care team are available to help.