How to Cure Diarrhea at Home for Older People

Time to read 4 min

Older people have unique challenges in terms of diet, energy levels, and medical condition management. You would have to use different ways to cure diarrhoea, especially if the senior citizen is also experiencing pain and bloating.


A core part of geriatric care, or care for older people, includes changing a person's diet and overall lifestyle to treat diarrhoea. In the case of loose motions in older people, there are several interventions such as medication change, supplementation, etc. that would also require a doctor's review.


You should consult with your health care provider prior to starting any changes, especially if your parent or grandparent is managing a long-term condition. You want to track their entire medical history prior in case they need hospitalization or health care treatment.

Use these strategies for diarrhoea treatment at home for older people

You can use these strategies to help your parents or grandparents treat their loose motions. It is important to consult with your doctor prior to understanding how to cure diarrhea at home. You should get their advise on the specific case before starting any new changes in their diet or medication, which is why testing is key.

Bananas, toast, and rice

High fibre fruits, especially bananas, are one of the most effective home remedies for loose motions. You can add pears, bananas, and apples in a puree form as well for ease of ingestion. You can also follow the BRAT diet, which includes toast and rice for improving bowel movements better.



Dried fruits

Prunes, raisins, and dates are an ideal way to stop loose motions in old people. You shouldn't exceed more than a handful of these at a time, so that your parent can consume the nutrients slowly. You can also opt for prune juice for a direct addition of fibre.



Fermented foods

You should add tempeh, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, and fresh breads, to add more healthy bacteria into their body. These can help if you have diarrhoea for more than a few days and need a diet-related approach to heal your system.

Hydration solutions

You should replenish lost electrolytes and salts through rehydration solutions. You can buy them over the counter and start adding them to the senior citizen's nutritional plan to ensure that they don't lose their energy levels.

Fibre supplements

One of the best remedies for loose motion is to add fibre supplements, husk, and bran. These can help bind the stool, provide symptom relief, and improve your overall bowel movement. There are several over the counter medications available that add more fibre into your diet.

Rest and recovery

One of the most important aspects of treating diarrhoea for old people in India is to use rest as a strategic tool. You need to ensure that they're able to rest without interruption for extended periods. This can ease their stress and help them preserve their energy so that they're able to recover.

Check for medication side-effects

If they're on certain medication for a chronic condition, then checking the side-effects will be important. You can consult with your doctor about diarrhoea lasting more than a few days, whether that is a common side-effect.



Do they have these signs as well? Then visit a doctor

If home remedies for loose motions aren't working for your senior citizen family member, then getting tested is key. You should check for the underlying causes of the loose motion, when general remedies for loose motions for loose motions aren't helpful.


You should visit a hospital if your parent or grandparent is experiencing these signs along with diarrhoea.

Pain in the abdominal area

Older people may experiencing cramping and pain in the stomach region. This may be accompanied by severe pain in the joints and muscles along with painful gas.

Vomiting

Vomiting should be treated with medication but tracked over the course of several days. You should visit a hospital if there is blood present in the vomit as well.

Extreme weakness

Your parents may experience extreme weakness over several days, related to loss of nutrients, essential salts, water, etc. This can become critical if they're already dealing with a chronic condition, which is why visiting a doctor is important.

Nausea sensation for multiple days

Nausea can last for several days leading to loss of concentration, energy, and wellbeing. They may already be managing a condition called vertigo, which can give rise to secondary symptoms. It is important to get tested.

Blood in stool

The blood in stool signs is an important one, especially if your parents are weaker and require nurse care. You should ask the care provider to track the consistency and spots of blood in the stool as these could be signs of an underlying condition.

Fever and chills

Your parents can experience fever and chills sensation, which is important to track over time. You can continue giving them hydration solutions to ensure that they're recovering in a timely way. You should visit a doctor if they're experiencing this for longer than a day.

Dehydration signs

If they're showing signs of dehydration, such as loss of focus, fatigue, and sunken facial features, then visiting a doctor should be your priority. 



* * Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s). 

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