The Niagara Ostomy Visitor Program goal is to meet with people one-on-one either before or after surgery to help them deal with their emotions regarding their ostomy. Simply letting the person voice their concerns and listening empathetically, answering non-medical questions and telling them how easy it is to lead a normal life, the Visitor can dispel a great deal of the worry and anxiety the person may feel. Also, the Visitor can explain about the Ostomy Associations that will provide on-going information and support to help them to manage themselves.
The NOA Visitor program is supported by the United Ostomy Association of Canada’s Visitor Program. The purpose of this program is to qualify members of the Association as Certified Ostomy Visitors through periodic training sessions. It is the ultimate objective of the program to make Certified Ostomy Visitors available to patients with all types of ostomies, in order to:
- » Help the ostomate renew self-confidence as an individual, with all the qualities of self-assurance that were present prior to surgery.
- » Offer reassurance, understanding and practical information.
- » Bolster the patient’s morale.
- » Assist the patient and the patient’s family in their emotional and social rehabilitation.
