What is a colostomy care plan?
Colostomy care is designed to support the effectiveness and cleanliness of a stoma bag.
A colostomy care plan can work around your unique needs if you are experiencing bladder and bowel problems. A stoma is an opening on the front of your abdomen which can collect urine or faeces outside of the body if you are unable to go to the toilet as you usually would. Our care can help manage and maintain your stoma bag so it all works smoothly and as it should. We will use specific methods to care for your stoma, and help you get to grips with living with a stoma, whilst also watching out for signs of concerns.
Why should I have a colostomy care plan?
A care plan can help monitor, clean and take care of your stoma bag and help with toileting.
If you have recently had a stoma fitted and feel you need extra support in getting to grips with it, our colostomy care is for you. The NHS states that adjusting to life with a colostomy can be challenging, but most people get used to it in time and you should be able to do most of the activities you enjoyed before. Our care can help you adapt to life with a stoma while helping with your other needs too. We can also help with tasks around the house such as cleaning and cooking if you are unable to do so yourself.
What does an effective care plan for colostomy care include?
Here is what can be included in your colostomy care plan:
Nursing care
Our nursing care can provide clinical attention to your stoma and support people with bladder or bowel problems. Trained by registered nurses, our carers can support those with more medically demanding needs.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping includes keeping your home clean, tidy and safe while running any necessary errands. Our carers can prepare healthy meals for you whilst keeping an eye on the day-to-day of home-based tasks.
Companionship
Our carers are wonderful, friendly people who have a passion for helping others. We handpick our carers to match your personality and interests so you gain a trusted carer and companionship in your home.
Stoma cleanliness
We can help by supporting you in emptying and changing your stoma bag, ensuring it remains hygienic. We will assist with your general hygiene as well as that of your stoma to ensure your good hygiene.
GP appointments
We can help you with keeping up to date with all of your GP and hospital appointments about your stoma. We will also support any medication administration and keep on top of your medical prescriptions.
Care at home
We bring health care to your doorstep, wherever you are. We have over 150 branches across the UK and endeavour to be accessible to everyone. This way, you can get the care you need while staying at home.
Visiting to live-in care
Respite care can vary on how often you see your carer. We offer visiting care which can be on a regular basis for as little as 30 minutes a week to longer. Our live-in care offers 24/7 support at all times.
Skin Care
It’s important to care for the skin around a stoma as it can become sore and inflamed. A carer can ensure the skin is properly cleaned and keep an eye out for any signs of concern on the skin surrounding the stoma.
How can I create my own care plan?
We can tailor a care plan for colostomy care to suit you! We offer live-in care, visiting care and respite personal care to fit around your schedule. From general housekeeping and stepping in for your primary caregiver to helping you rehabilitate with a medically trained eye, our carers are superbly qualified to handle your unique needs at home. With our colostomy care, you can be assured that our care plans can fit around you and your schedule so you can enjoy a hassle-free approach to your healthcare.
A colostomy care plan can help:
Work around you and your schedule
Allow you to stay at home
Adapt to your changing needs
Here are the steps to take to receive colostomy care:
Speak to our team
Call our team of experts to discuss your options and ask us any questions.
Free home care assessment
Your local Helping Hands manager will visit you to learn about the type of carer you’re after.
Find your carer
We’ll pair you with a carer who meets your wishes and has the skills and experience for your needs.
How Helping Hands can help
At Helping Hands, we pride ourselves on our ability to be adaptable to your needs. We can offer care as a live-in, visiting or respite basis.
Visiting care
Live-in care
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
