A SILSDEN care home has launched a campaign to raise awareness of constipation.

Springbank is providing the home community with information about the condition, including its causes, prevention and treatment.

There is also a free prize draw for anyone completing a questionnaire.

Constipation is a common problem amongst older adults and can be caused by a number of factors, such as dehydration, lack of exercise and certain medications.

It may lead to complications including abdominal pain, bloating and haemorrhoids.

Eighty per cent of care home residents aged over 65 are reported to have experienced chronic constipation.

Lisa Noble – manager at Springbank, part of the Spellman Care group – says: "Our Ease the Strain-Constipation Campaign follows the NHS launch in July this year, which focused on those living with a learning disability. Our campaign and training expands on that, making it relevant to those we care for at Springbank.

"We continue to focus on safe, high-quality and compassionate care. We put emphasis on quality training to ensure staff continue to update their knowledge and are supported to feel part of the collaborative team of health professionals that visit our home."

For further information about the condition and treatments, go to nhs.uk/conditions/constipation.