Colostomy and Ileostomy: What RCFE Staff Need to Know to Care for Residents

Outline (brief)

• Quick primer: what Colostomy and Ileostomy mean, and the difference between them

• Why these procedures happen (conditions and reasons)

• What changes in daily life for residents and caregivers

• Practical stoma care in a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)

• Diet, hydration, and digestion after surgery

• Common issues to watch for and when to involve a clinician

• Tips for respectful, discreet care and resident dignity

• Resources and real-world brand names caregivers may encounter

Colostomy and Ileostomy: a clear, compassionate picture

Let’s start with the basics, so there’s no mystery in the hallway chatter. Colostomy and ileostomy aren’t medications, and they aren’t conditions. They’re surgical options that doctors use when part of the intestine isn’t functioning well enough to do its job the usual way.

• A colostomy happens when a portion of the large intestine (the colon) is redirected to an opening in the abdomen. Waste exits through this new stoma into a collection pouch worn on the outside of the body.

• An ileostomy is similar, but it involves the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and results in waste leaving via a stoma on the abdomen.

The key idea is this: the waste path is rerouted to give the bowel a chance to heal, remove diseased tissue, or manage conditions that block normal digestion. It’s a life-changing change, but with the right tools and support, people adapt and live fully.

Why someone might need a stoma

There are a few common reasons why a colostomy or ileostomy is created. In many cases, it follows surgery to treat cancer, but it can also come about because of diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain injuries. The exact setup—colostomy versus ileostomy, and the location of the stoma—depends on the part of the intestine that remains and the surgeon’s plan. For RCFE staff, the important part isn’t the medical history in detail, but understanding how the change affects daily life, meals, and bathroom routines for residents.

What this means for day-to-day life in an RCFE

If you’re caring for someone with a stoma, you’ll notice a few practical shifts:

• Waste now travels to a bag on the outside of the body. The bag is sealed, emptied, and replaced as needed.

• The skin around the stoma requires gentle care. It’s sensitive, and protective barriers help prevent irritation.

• Clothing and activities may change a bit to accommodate the appliance. Comfortable, breathable fabrics and properly fitted garments help.

• Privacy and dignity matter. Care tasks around a stoma should be done discreetly, with the resident’s comfort in mind.

Stoma care essentials for RCFE staff

What you do each day matters a lot. Here are practical, caregiver-friendly steps you’ll use (often in a routine, like a morning or evening check).

• Inspect the skin around the stoma gently. Look for redness, irritation, or breakdown. Mild redness can be normal after changes, but persistent or spreading redness deserves a clinician’s eye.

• Check the seal and the bag. A secure seal prevents leaks; a leak can irritate skin and cause odor concerns.

• Clean carefully. Use warm water and a soft cloth or mild, non-irritating cleansers. Avoid harsh soaps or scrub brushes near the stoma.

• Change the pouching system as recommended by the supplier. Some people use a one-piece system, others use a two-piece system with a separate skin barrier. Brands you might encounter include Coloplast, Hollister, and Convatec. Each system has its pros—different wear times, different levels of discretion, and different ease of use.

• Protect the skin with a barrier or paste where needed. A barrier helps keep skin dry and stable, especially if there are irregularities around the stoma.

• Manage odor with appropriate bags and filters. Modern pouches often have odor-control features; keep supplies accessible for quick changes.

A note on routines, dignity, and safety

Careful handling matters. Always wash hands before and after touching the appliance. Be respectful during changes—explain what you’re doing, offer assistance, and respect the resident’s privacy.

Diet, hydration, and digestion after a stoma

What you feed a person with a stoma can influence comfort and the reliability of the output. Everyone is different, but there are some general ideas that help most residents.

• Hydration is crucial. A steady intake of fluids supports digestion and helps prevent blockages.

• Fiber balance matters, too. Some people tolerate high-fiber foods well, while others find certain raw vegetables, skins, or seeds irritate the stoma or cause blockages. A registered dietitian can tailor guidance to each resident’s situation.

• Be mindful of gas and odor. Certain foods can increase gas or odor; noting patterns can help you plan meals and pouch changes.

• Regular meals help, but be flexible. The goal is steady energy and reliable digestion, not rigid meal times that frustrate a resident.

In most RCFE settings, the nutrition plan is shaped by the resident’s overall health, medications, and activity level. If a resident once relied on a particular dietary pattern, you’ll often work with a dietitian to adjust safely after surgery.

Common concerns and signs that call for a clinician

Some issues pop up more often than others. Knowing the signs can prevent bigger problems.

• Skin irritation around the stoma: persistent redness, cracking, or a rash.

• Leaks or frequent changes: if leaks become routine, the pouch system may need adjustment, or skin barriers might need a better fit.

• Blockage symptoms: abdominal cramping, nausea, or little to no output. This is more common with ileostomies and requires prompt medical advice.

• Prolapse or retraction of the stoma: a shift in position or length that looks unusual means you should check in with a clinician.

• Changes in appetite, weight, or energy: these can signal a broader health issue or dehydration.

If any of these occur, reach out to the resident’s medical team promptly. In an RCFE, you’re part of a larger care network, and timely communication keeps everyone on the same page.

Practical considerations for RCFE environments

Stoma care is collaborative. Here are some pragmatic tips that fit a busy facility:

• Keep a ready supply kit. Stock a few ostomy pouches, skin barriers, wipes, and a soft towel or disposable underpads in a convenient, discreet location.

• Train staff on basics. A quick, hands-on refresher can boost confidence and reduce anxiety when changing appliances.

• Document changes and observations. A simple log helps track what works best for each resident, including preferred products, timing, and any skin issues.

• Respect privacy. Use a private area for changes, provide draping or covers, and always explain what you’re doing.

• Coordinate with specialists. Ostomy nurses or wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurses can guide complex cases and provide on-site support when needed.

Real-world flavors: brands and resources you might hear about

If you’re shopping for supplies or seeking guidance, you’ll encounter a few well-known names. Coloplast, Hollister, and Convatec are major ostomy product brands offering a range of pouches, skin barriers, and accessories. For professional support, the WOCN Society (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society) is a solid resource for evidence-based guidance and care standards. Local hospital wound care teams can also be a great partner when managing complex cases.

A quick, human-centered recap

Colostomy and ileostomy are surgical routes that redirect waste to a stoma on the abdomen. They’re done to restore health, remove diseased tissue, or bypass compromised sections of the intestine. For RCFE staff, the bottom line is straightforward: protect the skin around the stoma, manage the pouching system with care and respect, monitor for signs of trouble, and coordinate with medical teams when needs arise. With thoughtful routines, residents can continue to enjoy meals, activities, and a sense of independence.

A few closing reflections

Caregiving near the end of life or during recovery means blending practical know-how with patience and empathy. You’ll learn each resident’s quirks—the foods they tolerate, the times of day they feel their best, and how to handle changes with a quiet, confident approach. Some days will be smooth; others will present a challenge. That’s the human side of care, and it matters as much as any medical detail.

If you’re new to stoma care, you’re not alone. Many caregivers in RCFE settings start with a simple goal: keep skin healthy, minimize leaks, and help each resident stay comfortable and dignified. The rest—decision-making, product choices, and working with clinicians—falls into place as you gain experience and collaborate with the resident, their family, and the care team.

Resources you can explore when needed (in plain language)

• Ostomy product brands for everyday supplies: Coloplast, Hollister, Convatec.

• Professional guidance: WOCN Society for up-to-date, practical standards and recommendations.

• Local healthcare partners: wound care nurses or gastroenterology teams who can visit the facility or advise remotely.

In the end, the goal is simple and deeply human: provide steady support so residents live with confidence, regardless of changes in their digestive journey. With a clear understanding of what a colostomy or ileostomy entails, and with a practical, compassionate approach to care, RCFE teams can help residents maintain comfort, dignity, and a sense of normalcy every day.