UOAA Action Center
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UOAA has partnered with the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society (WOCN Society) and developed a FAQ document for patients in response to concerns that aging residents were being denied access to assisted living facilities (ALF) because they have an ostomy. This document is intended to dispel myths on the care required for residents with an ostomy and answer some frequently asked questions that owners or staff of assisted living facilities may have concerning people with an ostomy who wish to reside in an ALF. Daily ostomy management is an activity of daily living – the simple process of toileting. People living with an ostomy should be welcomed and treated as any person seeking potential residence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
During 2021, UOAA/WOCN spoke with several state associations of these facilities across the country. We are currently working on state specific outreach plans including providing an educational webinar to counter what we believe is an unfounded stigma around living with an ostomy.
As you research facilities for potential residency and encounter any similar concerns, please use the above FAQs in your own self-advocacy effort.