Diarrhea in older adults isn’t just messy and inconvenient — it can quickly lead to dehydration, falls, and hospital visits. If you care for an older person (or you’re 65+), knowing the common causes and simple home steps can prevent serious problems.
Many things can trigger diarrhea in seniors: stomach bugs, food poisoning, side effects from medicines (antibiotics, laxatives, some blood pressure drugs), changes in diet, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. A serious cause to remember is Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) — it often happens after antibiotics and needs medical treatment.
Quick home actions that help right away: stop any nonessential laxatives, track fluid intake, and switch to bland, easy-to-digest foods (plain rice, toast, bananas, boiled potatoes). Offer small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink spread over the day. Avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, and dairy until things settle.
Skin care matters. Frequent loose stools can irritate skin and cause pressure sores. Clean gently after each episode, pat dry, and apply a barrier cream to prevent breakdown.
Call a healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following: signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness, barely peeing), high fever, bloody stools, severe belly pain, confusion or a big change in behavior, or if diarrhea starts after a recent hospital stay or antibiotic course (risk for C. difficile). Also call if diarrhea lasts more than a day or two in a frail older person — seniors dehydrate faster than younger adults.
Bring this info to the appointment: when symptoms started, how many loose stools per day, any recent antibiotics or new medicines, and whether there’s vomiting or fever. The doctor may order stool tests, blood tests, or suggest specific medicines. Never give anti-diarrheal medicine like loperamide without checking — some infections need different treatment.
Prevention tips you can use today: review all medications with a pharmacist or doctor to spot drugs that cause diarrhea; practice strict handwashing and safe food prep; keep a hydration plan (bottle of water and a rehydration mix handy); and talk to the care team about probiotics if appropriate. Small changes — better hydration, timely medication reviews, and quick attention to symptoms — lower the risk of complications.
If you’re worried now, act. Diarrhea in older adults can escalate fast, and early care often keeps someone out of the hospital. Keep notes, stay hydrated, and reach out to a healthcare provider when things feel off.
