Can you do a one-time ostomy nurse home visit for troubleshooting, or does it have to be ongoing care?

Yes—both are available. Many clients book a one-time “reset” visit to stop leaks, refit the appliance, and set a better routine; others choose a short series of visits until confidence is high.

How quickly can services start after I call?

We can usually complete intake, confirm supplies, and schedule a first visit within 2 days depending on nurse availability in your county. If you’re mid-leak or just discharged, tell us—triage helps us prioritize.

What’s a good rule for emptying and changing the pouch between nurse visits?

As a general rule, empty at ⅓–½ full to prevent weight-related lifting and leaks; change the full system on a predictable schedule suited to your output and wear time. Your nurse will help you dial in a routine based on stoma type and skin response.

Can you set up care for nighttime?

Yes, we can set up nighttime care.

Can I shower, swim, or exercise with an ostomy pouch?

Usually, yes, with the right system and timing. We cover water-resistant options, support belts, and techniques for hot/humid DMV summers so adhesive performance stays reliable.

Will you help with insurance documentation and supplying tools?

We complete medical necessity notes and coordinate with your prescriber and DME so you receive appropriate items (pouches, barriers, rings, paste, powders, belts, night bags) in amounts that match your clinical need. If quantities aren’t enough, we help request adjustments.

Do you support dementia or limited-mobility clients who forget to empty or can’t manage the routine?

Absolutely. We build visual schedules, simple step-cards, and caregiver checklists; for mobility challenges we adapt bathroom setups and clothing choices to reduce leaks and skin injury.

Do you provide Spanish-speaking or multilingual nurses?

We can match language needs across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick, DC, Fairfax, and Arlington. Tell us your preference during our initial phone call.

Can you help me travel (Amtrak, flights, cruises) with an ostomy?

Yes—your nurse can create a travel packing list, write a simple “I have an ostomy” note, discuss TSA/port security tips, and show you how to do discreet changes in small restrooms.

What are red-flag symptoms that mean I shouldn’t wait for my next home visit?

Call your provider or seek urgent care if you experience sudden severe pain, deep skin breakdown or spreading redness, stoma color change (dusky/black), no output with cramping/bloating, uncontrolled bleeding, or fever with chills. We’ll help you escalate quickly and coordinate follow-up.

Ostomy and Stoma Care | Silver Spring, MD

Get Your Personalized Ostomy and Stoma Care Plan Now

Need an ostomy home nurse? We provide expert support for colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy - helping prevent leaks, protect skin, maintain a regular changing schedule, and simplify daily life!

Living with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy shouldn’t keep you (or someone you love) from feeling confident, comfortable, and independent at home. Our nurses deliver in-home ostomy and stoma care—from appliance fitting and peristomal skin care to assisting with leaks and training you and your family on becoming an effective caregiver—across Montgomery County MD, Prince George’s County MD, Howard County MD, Frederick County MD, Washington DC, Fairfax County VA & Arlington County VA.

Who We Serve

We provide in-home ostomy support for those who:

Currently use an ostomy bag and want expert help with pouch changes, skin protection, or supply management.
Seniors and Older Adults who prefer a gentle, consistent routine at home.
Post-surgery patients learning new habits after a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy.
IBD such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is a frequent cause of ostomy surgery. About 3.1 million U.S. adults live with IBD, and studies estimate the annual cost in the U.S. of IBD care exceeds $25 billion (some come closer to $50 billion), highlighting the value of personalized support at home. [1] [2] [3]
People living with dementia who may forget to empty or change their pouch on schedule.
Adults with physical or cognitive disabilities who need hands-on help with appliance changes.
Anyone with medical complications—frequent leaks, peristomal skin irritation, hernias, high-output stomas—who benefits from a skilled nurse’s regular checks.

Conditions we treat based on surgery type:

Colostomy [4] [5]
Colorectal cancer (including very low rectal tumors) or removal of part of the colon/rectum. [6]
Diverticular disease (diverticulitis complications, perforation, abscess).
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
Bowel obstruction, perforation, or ischemia (blocked blood flow).
Trauma or surgical “rest” or protection after colorectal surgery (temporary diversion).
Severe fecal incontinence (e.g., spinal cord/nerve injury) in select cases.

Ileostomy [7]
Inflammatory bowel disease (often severe ulcerative colitis; also Crohn’s).
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or other situations where the colon is removed. [8]
Colon needs to be bypassed or healed after surgery, obstruction, or perforation.

Urostomy [9]
Bladder cancer requiring cystectomy. [10]
Neurogenic bladder (nerve damage from spinal cord injury or similar).
Birth defects (spina bifida, bladder exstrophy).
Chronic bladder inflammation or radiation injury, or injury involving nearby pelvic organs that damages the bladder/urethra.

UOAA lists colorectal cancer, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, and Crohn’s among the most common reasons for receiving an ostomy. [11]

How We Provide Ostomy and Stoma Home Care

Your nurse and caregivers can provide:

Assessment and teaching: Post-operation ostomy teaching and education sessions at home, caregiver training, and written routines.
Pouching system selection and fitting: Sizing the stoma, choosing 1- or 2-piece systems, convexity, barrier rings, belts, and more specific tools. We provide appliance fitting at home to reduce leaks.
Peristomal skin care at home: Skin irritation prevention and treatments, fungal rash management guidance if needed, and transition to other healthcare providers if advanced care is required.
Routine change and empty schedule: Tailored to colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy patterns.
Supply set-up: Inventory, re-orders, and insurance documentation assistance.
Care coordination: We connect with surgeons, PCPs, and (when helpful) outpatient ostomy clinics or hyperbaric wound centers to assure that your care is well-managed across providers.

What Areas We Serve – And Why

Maryland: Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Frederick County
District: Washington, DC
Northern Virginia: Fairfax County & Arlington County

Why this service matters: 12%–18% of residents around the DC area are 65+ years old and more likely to require a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Additionally, late-stage colorectal cancer (a common reason for ostomy creation) remains a regional concern. [12] [13]

Here are estimates of those in the areas we serve that may require our in-home Ostomy & Stoma Home Care Program:

County/Jurisdiction	Estimated residents living with an ostomy/stoma [14]	Estimated residents having a new ostomy surgery this year [15]
Montgomery County MD	2,307-3,182	318-414
Prince George's County MD	2,061-2,842	284-369
Howard County MD	724-999	100-130
Frederick County MD	638-880	88-114
Washington DC	1,497-2,065	206-268
Fairfax County VA	2,475-3,413	341-444
Arlington County VA	511-705	71-92
Totals	10,213-14,086	1,408-1,831

These local numbers show why we focus our Ostomy & Stoma Home Care program in these jurisdictions: an estimated 10,213–14,086 residents are already living with an ostomy, and 1,408–1,831 more will undergo new ostomy surgery this year. Concentrating our nursing teams in these counties lets us offer at-home appliance fitting, leak prevention, peristomal skin care, caregiver training, supply management, and post-operative transition support to a large group of people who will consistently require this skilled care.

Why Choose In-Home Ostomy Care vs. Outpatient Clinic Care?

Comfort and dignity: Appliance changes and sensitive skin care are easier in your own bathroom and home.
Fewer travel barriers: Mobility challenges, dementia, or fatigue make frequent clinic visits difficult.
Continuity of routine: We build a schedule that fits your calendar, not the other way around.
Faster action with concerning symptoms: Leaks and problems often relate to daily habits (hydration, diet, activity, clothing) we can observe and influence at home.
We coordinate with clinics: The region offers excellent outpatient options.
Inova’s Outpatient Ostomy Care Program in Fairfax, several UMMS ostomy clinics, and MedStar Georgetown’s wound/hyperbaric center. We refer or co-manage when a clinic visit makes sense. [16] [17] [18] [19]

How It Works: Step-by-Step

RN-led assessment (Day 1). We review your medical history, surgery type (colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy), abdominal contours, peristomal skin, hydration, current pouching routine, lifestyle, and any personalized needs. We also confirm supply brands and fit.
Design a Personalized care plan (Day 1-2). You’ll get a plan for pouch change frequency, skin protection, diet/hydration guidance, night drainage setups (urostomy), and a written caregiver checklist.
Regularly scheduled hands-on visits. Your nurse and caregivers perform full pouch changes, skin assessments, and appliance fittings. We may trial accessories (rings, paste, powder), securement, and belts if needed. We will also provide other in-home nursing care senior personal home care if needed.
Training, education, & confidence-building. We teach you and your caregiver how to properly care for someone with an ostomy & stoma: leak-prevention techniques, what to watch for, and how to contact your nurse for additional assistance if needed.
Healthcare system management. We calibrate quantities, help with prescriptions and supplier paperwork, collaborate with your other providers, and track product orders.
Regular check-ins. Depending on your goals, we schedule regular visits and check-ins to track your progress and look for any red flag symptoms. We coordinate with your surgeon or outpatient clinic if complications persist.

Coverage and Costs

Insurance may cover medically necessary ostomy supplies (colostomy, ileostomy, or urinary ostomy) in quantities your doctor orders based on your condition. Policies specify typical maximums by item, but amounts can be adjusted with medical justification. We’ll help you understand eligibility and coordinate with your physician to have the highest likelihood of receiving insurance-covered care.

How Ostomy and Stoma Home Care Patients Find Us

Many of our in-home ostomy and stoma clients say they found us by searching “ostomy home care,” “stoma home care,” “home stoma care services,” “home ostomy nursing,” “colostomy care at home,” “ileostomy nursing in home,” “urostomy home nursing,” “ostomy nurse home visit,” or “enterostomal (ET) therapy nurse home care.” If you searched for these services, you’re in the right place.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
https://www.cdc.gov/ibd
Accessed September 2025.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Ulcerative Colitis.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Accessed September 2025.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4010745/
Accessed September 2025.

United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). Colostomy Overview.
https://www.ostomy.org/colostomy/
Accessed September 2025.

American Cancer Society. What Is a Colostomy?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/treating/colostomy.html
Accessed September 2025.

National Cancer Institute (NCI). Colon and Rectal Cancer Treatment.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq
Accessed September 2025.

UOAA. Ileostomy Overview.
https://www.ostomy.org/ileostomy/
Accessed September 2025.

NCI. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Colorectal Cancer.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-genetics-pdq
Accessed September 2025.

UOAA. Urostomy Overview.
https://www.ostomy.org/urostomy/
Accessed September 2025.

American Cancer Society. Bladder Cancer Surgery.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html
Accessed September 2025.

UOAA. Living with an Ostomy.
https://www.ostomy.org/living-with-an-ostomy/
Accessed September 2025.

Maryland Department of Health. Colorectal Cancer Statistics.
https://health.maryland.gov/cancer/pages/statistics-colorectal.aspx
Accessed September 2025.

District of Columbia Cancer Registry. Colorectal Cancer Data.
https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/cancer-registry
Accessed September 2025.

UOAA. Our Mission & History – Statistics on People Living with an Ostomy.
https://www.ostomy.org/our-mission-history
Accessed September 2025.

National Library of Medicine (PMC). Incidence and Reversal of Temporary Ostomies in the United States.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12196288/
Accessed September 2025.

Inova Health System. Ostomy Care Program – Fairfax, VA.
https://www.inova.org/our-services/inova-wound-healing-center/ostomy-care
Accessed September 2025.

University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). Ostomy and Wound Care Services.
https://www.umms.org/ostomy-wound-care
Accessed September 2025.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center.
https://www.medstargeorgetown.org/services/wound-healing
Accessed September 2025.

MedStar Health. Wound Healing Services.
https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/wound-healing
Accessed September 2025.

Can you do a one-time ostomy nurse home visit for troubleshooting, or does it have to be ongoing care?
Yes—both are available. Many clients book a one-time “reset” visit to stop leaks, refit the appliance, and set a better routine; others choose a short series of visits until confidence is high.
How quickly can services start after I call?
We can usually complete intake, confirm supplies, and schedule a first visit within 2 days depending on nurse availability in your county. If you’re mid-leak or just discharged, tell us—triage helps us prioritize.
What’s a good rule for emptying and changing the pouch between nurse visits?
As a general rule, empty at ⅓–½ full to prevent weight-related lifting and leaks; change the full system on a predictable schedule suited to your output and wear time. Your nurse will help you dial in a routine based on stoma type and skin response.
Can you set up care for nighttime?
Yes, we can set up nighttime care.
Can I shower, swim, or exercise with an ostomy pouch?
Usually, yes, with the right system and timing. We cover water-resistant options, support belts, and techniques for hot/humid DMV summers so adhesive performance stays reliable.
Will you help with insurance documentation and supplying tools?
We complete medical necessity notes and coordinate with your prescriber and DME so you receive appropriate items (pouches, barriers, rings, paste, powders, belts, night bags) in amounts that match your clinical need. If quantities aren’t enough, we help request adjustments.
Do you support dementia or limited-mobility clients who forget to empty or can’t manage the routine?
Absolutely. We build visual schedules, simple step-cards, and caregiver checklists; for mobility challenges we adapt bathroom setups and clothing choices to reduce leaks and skin injury.
Do you provide Spanish-speaking or multilingual nurses?
We can match language needs across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick, DC, Fairfax, and Arlington. Tell us your preference during our initial phone call.
Can you help me travel (Amtrak, flights, cruises) with an ostomy?
Yes—your nurse can create a travel packing list, write a simple “I have an ostomy” note, discuss TSA/port security tips, and show you how to do discreet changes in small restrooms.
What are red-flag symptoms that mean I shouldn’t wait for my next home visit?
Call your provider or seek urgent care if you experience sudden severe pain, deep skin breakdown or spreading redness, stoma color change (dusky/black), no output with cramping/bloating, uncontrolled bleeding, or fever with chills. We’ll help you escalate quickly and coordinate follow-up.

Ostomy and Stoma In-Home Care

Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia

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