In-Home Ostomy Care Services

• Licensed Professionals: In Virginia, Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are authorized to provide specialized ostomy care in the home. 
• Nurse Next Door Team: Nurse Next Door clinicians have valid Virginia licenses and are continually educated in ostomy care, complying with state guidelines for safety and optimal management.
• Caregiver Support: In certain circumstances, seasoned caregivers (with direct supervision from a Registered Nurse) may help with routine tasks, like monitoring supplies, ensuring comfort, and communicating any concerns the client may have to the RN.

1. Gather the following supplies: Ostomy pouch, skin barrier (wafer), gloves, adhesive remover, washcloths, warm water, stoma powder (if needed), and disposal bag.
2. Prepare the Area: Prepare a clean surface for your supplies and wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Remove the Old Pouch: Carefully remove the old pouch and skin barrier, using adhesive remover if needed, and dispose of them in a plastic bag.
4. Cleanse the Stoma and Surrounding Skin: Clean gently with warm water and soft cloths, avoiding harsh soaps or too much friction.
5. Dry and Inspect: Gently pat the area dry and look for any signs of irritation, redness, or skin breakdown.
6. Apply Skin Barrier: When using a two-piece system, ensure you place the wafer (skin barrier) snugly around the stoma. Ensure the opening is sized correctly.
7. Attach the New Pouch: Secure the pouch with utmost care onto the wafer or over the stoma of its one-piece system. Apply gentle pressure to ensure a complete seal.

Timeframe: The process generally takes 15–25 minutes, depending on individual comfort and experience level. Nurse Next Door’s RNs can assist you or your loved one, making the process more efficient and comfortable gradually.

1. Positioning: Sit on or stand close to the toilet, or use a container according to your preference.
2. Open the Pouch: Gently unroll or unclasp the end of the pouch.
3. Drain the Contents: Gradually pour the contents into the toilet or container.
4. Clean the Tail: Clean the back of the pouch with toilet paper or a wet wipe.
5. Reseal the Bag: Roll or clip the pouch to ensure it is properly closed.

Timeframe: Typically, people finish the task in 5 – 10 minutes. Our ostomy care nursing team can demonstrate proper techniques to minimize mess, odor, and discomfort, ensuring smoother daily routines.

• Yes. Both changing and emptying an ostomy bag can be done safely at home with proper techniques and supplies.
• Guided Instruction: Nurse Next Door clinicians provide practical training, ensuring you or a family member can confidently and easily perform basic ostomy tasks if and when desired.
• On-Call Support: If you experience problems such as skin irritation or leakage, our team is just a call away to offer professional advice or schedule an in-home ostomy care visit.

• Frequency: Most ostomy bags need to be changed every 3–7 days. However, it depends on the type of stoma, skin condition, and personal preference.
• Customized Schedule: Nurse Next Door ostomy care nursing professionals will evaluate factors such as stoma output, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle demands to develop a customized care plan.
• Monitoring & Adjustments: We listen to your needs, modifying the frequency if you experience discomfort, leakage, or other issues.

• Immediate Evaluation: Inform your Nurse Next Door RN or LPN. They’ll evaluate the stoma area, look for common causes (e.g., incorrect wafer sizing, moisture, or allergic reactions), and suggest appropriate solutions.
• Potential Solutions: Switching to a different pouching system, using stoma powder, using extended-wear wafers, or adjusting the cutting size of the skin barrier.
• Prevention: Our nurses will assist you with appropriate cleaning techniques, gentle adhesives, and barrier rings to help reduce future issues and protect sensitive skin.

• Common Supplies: Ostomy pouches, adhesive removers, skin barriers, stoma measuring guides, barrier rings, stoma powder, disposable gloves, pouches with filters, and odor eliminators.
• Obtaining Supplies: The client must get supplies from the skilled nursing facility, rehab, or hospital upon discharge.
• Emergency Stock: Our team recommends having an emergency kit that includes additional pouches, wafers, and cleaning supplies for unforeseen circumstances.

1. Licensed and Trained Staff: Only licensed professionals (RNs) or caregivers under RN supervision deliver direct ostomy care.
2. Strict Infection Control: We strictly comply with the state and federal guidelines, using proper hand hygiene, sterile or clean techniques as appropriate, and safe disposal methods.
3. Regular Assessments: Our nurses assess stoma health, pouch function, and skin integrity at each visit, recording all observations, findings, and interventions.
4. Ongoing Education: Staff members receive periodic training to stay current on the latest best practices and equipment, ensuring consistent, top-quality care.

• Professional Expertise: Our team includes RNs with extensive experience in managing ostomy and wound care.
• Personalized Approach: We customize care plans that fit your unique needs, focusing on comfort, dignity, and independence.
• Flexible Scheduling: Whether you need daily or weekly visits, we provide reliable support around the clock to accommodate you.
• Compassionate Care: We completely understand ostomy care’s emotional and physical challenges. Our caregivers treat every client with utmost empathy and respect.
• Holistic Services: Along with Ostomy care, we offer medication management, personal care, companionship, and more services, helping you stay safe and well in the comfort of your own home.

At Nurse Next Door, we simplify ostomy care at home, making it safe and easy. Whether you require a single demonstration or continuous nursing assistance, our licensed professionals are ready to support you at every turn, always following Virginia Health Department regulations. If you have additional questions or want to learn more about our ostomy care nursing services, contact us today. We look forward to helping you live comfortably and confidently at home!