Elimination Changes: Bowel and Bladder

Bladder and bowel changes often happen in advanced disease and near the end of life. This resource covers what to expect and how to help.

Urinary changes can include incontinence, night time urination, urgency and retention. Stool changes include constipation and incontinence. As disease advances, urine becomes less in amount, darker and stronger smelling, and stool less frequent. Regular bowel movements still matter for comfort and dignity.

Tips: set a bathroom routine every 2 to 3 hours, remove trip hazards and add nightlights, use absorbent products and bed protectors, clean gently with alcohol-free products and barrier cream, balance fluids (less before bed, fewer irritants), and keep a care kit for outings.

Treatment may include medication and non-medication options. An indwelling urinary catheter may be considered as mobility declines.