Everybody S***s: how defecation stigma reduces care quality in dementia

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to raise awareness of the ways in which faecal incontinence can impact the provision of dementia care by examining this through the lens of stigma. Design/methodology/approach This paper contains a scoping review of available literature relating to faecal incontinence, dementia and stigma. Findings Literature was organised into three themes: the origins of the stigma, the purpose of stigma and the care context. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this paper include the lack of literature discussing faecal incontinence and dementia in relation to stigma. Practical implications Stigma regarding faecal incontinence has the potential to impact quality of life of people with a dementia and contributes towards the invisible work of unqualified care workers. Originality/value Stigma and faecal incontinence have only a small amount of research around them in residential dementia care.