Is there any product similar to miralax that can be used to help get the b.m. to be all the way pushed out. I am not looking for a pill or capsule, more like a powder that can be mixed into water. When I am cleaning my mother the b.m. is there and i clean it out but it does not always come all the way out into the toilet. Sorry for being so descriptive.
Prunes, prune juice might also help. These were a pretty frequent addition to breakfast for my Husband.
There is a tea called Smooth Move it is an herbal tea it is a Senna based tea.
Position can also make a difference. A little foot stool like the Squatty Potty helps it places the body in a better position.
When I was using a Hoyer Lift with my Husband the sling held him in an ideal position so I had to be pretty careful when moving him just in case....
Increasing fiber may also help.
I got to the point where 1/2 can of prune juice, warmed up, with a dose of Miralax was my saving grace. At bedtime. Also, if really backed up, lanolin suppositories would smooth things out. A few times, for the absolute worst times, was also an enema. That's messy if you can't make it to the toilet.
Also, watch a You Tube on gentle abdominal massage to get the bowels moving. The longer they are 'quiet' the worse the constipation.
I realize a lot of elderly do not move much during the day. Even gentle stretching, cycling the legs and feet around--any movement helps.
And of course, as much fiber as can be tolerated. Too much and you'll have the opposite problem.
I agree, Tynagh--I never thought I would spend my mornings talking about bowel movements.
And yes to prunes and prune juice.
As we age, the bladder can drop down and sit on the bowel. This can cause problems in releasing everything. My Mom was told to push on the area where the episiotomy was done while pushing. I have had to do this and and it works.
My Dr recommend Seneca. Is a plant based laxative. 2 pills a day. But I found I went all day so stopped them.
Make sure she stays well hydrated throughout the day to. Staying hydrated keeps things moving.
She still may have occasional trouble. That's when to use the Miralax or even a glycerin suppository. I had care clients that used the ones that are made for babies and they work.
PS Also, forgot to say, reminded by Cover999's question - make sure her sitting position is good and steady, with both feet on the floor. If her feet don't reach (perhaps because she has a raised toilet seat to make it easier to get on and off, for example) then provide her with a platform while she's seated. Those toddlers' steps you can get to help them reach the handbasin are good for this purpose.