Causes and management of constipation among institutionalized elderly : SVPR (St. Vincent de Paule) : a case study

Abstract

Constipation is the commonest disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in old age. The importance of constipation is not only in its increasing prevalence with age, but also in the variety of complications which may arise. This is of concern mostly to the elderly himself but also puts a strain on his carers. In addition there are some special hazards resulting from treatment and the abuse of laxatives. The aetiological factors in the majority of cases are to do with the elderly's life-style. Thus in many cases constipation can be treated with success or is easily prevented. The use and abuse of laxatives is a major issue in the treatment of constipation. A field study was carried out at SVPR to show the gravity of the problem. As constipation is a very subjective matter and is difficult to measure, laxative use was taken as the index of the problem.