Five Ostomy Resources for Canadian Ostomates

There are many resources available all over Canada for Ostomates. Today, we have compiled a list of five for you to check out and keep in your back pocket!

Find an NSWOC in your area: https://memberscaet.ca/find.phtml

An easy-to-use tool is the Find an NSWOC form available on the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada website. This tool is used to find an NSWOC closest to where you live or the area you expect to be travelling to in Canada. You can use the form to search by entering a city and province or a postal code and range. You can also narrow your search by selecting a specialty. Note that this tool is not meant to be used in the case of an emergency as responses take one to three business days.

Ostomy Canada Society: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/

Ostomy Canada Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to all people with an ostomy, and their families, helping them live life to the fullest through support, education, collaboration, and advocacy. They offer services and programs such as Ostomy Support Groups, Ostomy Youth Camps, Education webinars and much more!

Assistive Devices Program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program/

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids. It also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies. Devices covered by the program are intended to enable people with physical disabilities to increase their independence through access to assistive devices related to their individual needs.

Ostomy Appliances Program: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/aid-programs/appliances-ostomates

The Ostomy Appliances Program provides financial support for the purchase or replacement of ostomy supplies, such as ostomy bags (ostomy pouches). The financial assistance is paid out once per year, and the amount is determined according to the type of stoma: permanent or temporary. Individuals insured by the Quebec Health Insurance Plan and have undergone a permanent or temporary colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy are eligible to qualify for the program.

Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en

The Canadian Cancer Society exists to unite and inspire all Canadians to take control of cancer. They are the only national charity that supports all Canadians living with all cancers across the country.

The Canadian Cancer Society:

• Funds groundbreaking cancer research into all types of cancer
• Offers support services to help people better manage life with cancer
• Shape health policies to prevent cancer and support those living with the disease
• Offer trusted cancer information for all Canadians.

These are only a few of the resources that exist! We have compiled a bigger list on our ‘Resources and Support’ page. Check them out here: https://myostomy.ca/pages/resources-support