need advice on keeping colostomy on alzheimer's patient

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patient is a pleasant lady who has diagnosis of alzheimer's. has had a major decline past few weeks. up until 6 a few weeks ago, was maintaining colostomy (old one) with nursing oversight/minimal assist. suddenly, she has begun removing colostomy bag and placing it in her pocket, or wherever. she refuses to wear disposable briefs at this time (removes them). the colostomy she currently uses is the type with the foundation wafer and "tupperwear bag" that snaps on. her skin is too fragile for the one peice adhesive bags. anyone had this problem? any suggestions? she is ambulatory and still is continent of urine most of time. thanks in advance for any ideas.

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

Two ideas: (1) cover area with Montgomery Straps. Knot ties to make them difficult for her to undo when you have to change the bag just clip and replace ties. or (2) Use an abdominal binder with the fasteners in the back. Abdominal binder may need a doctor's order - I'm not sure.

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I was also going to suggest turning an abdominal binder around so the opening is in the back. Good Luck!

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
Two ideas: (1) cover area with Montgomery Straps. Knot ties to make them difficult for her to undo when you have to change the bag just clip and replace ties. or (2) Use an abdominal binder with the fasteners in the back. Abdominal binder may need a doctor's order - I'm not sure.

I agree, and then cover over it, and try to keep her occupied with other things , enlist the assistance of your Recreation staff, inform all staff that you are trying to keep her busy so she wont touch her colostomy bag,

We started giving dolls that look and feel like babies to keep our Alzheimers pts busy and calm, maybe if she has something else to hold she wont look for the bag.

In addition, only do treatments in the treatment room (even then, discourage her from touching it) so she wont associate her bedroom with the colostomy bag and if she plays with it at night, ask the psychiatrist for sleeping pills until this passes.

Hopefully she will forget the bag.

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