Stoma Care Services Under the NDIS in Brisbane |

Managing a stoma,whether a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy,can be physically and emotionally demanding. For NDIS participants in Brisbane who live with a stoma, funded nursing support can make the difference between managing confidently at home and feeling isolated by the challenges of ongoing care.

This article explains what stoma care involves in an NDIS context, how nursing support is delivered, and what participants and families should know about accessing this type of care in Brisbane.

What Is a Stoma?

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body when the normal route is not functioning or has been removed. The three main types are: colostomy (from the colon), ileostomy (from the small intestine), and urostomy (from the urinary tract). Each type has different output characteristics and management considerations.

Living with a stoma requires regular, careful management of the appliance and the surrounding skin (peristomal skin). Poor management can lead to skin complications, appliance leakage, infection, and significant distress.

What Does NDIS-Funded Stoma Care Include?

Appliance Assessment and Change

Community nurses assess and change the stoma appliance at the appropriate intervals,which vary depending on the appliance type, the nature of the stoma output, and the condition of the peristomal skin. Regular appliance changes, performed with care and clinical skill, are fundamental to stoma health.

Peristomal Skin Assessment and Management

The skin around the stoma is vulnerable to irritation, breakdown, and infection,particularly when appliances don’t fit well or when output comes into contact with the skin. Registered nurses assess peristomal skin at each visit, identify early signs of complications, and implement appropriate skin management strategies.

Stoma Complication Management

Complications such as stoma prolapse, retraction, stenosis, hernia, and parastomal fistula may arise over time. Community nurses are trained to recognise these complications and escalate to the participant’s treating team,typically a colorectal surgeon or stomal therapy nurse,when intervention is needed.

Patient and Carer Education

Helping participants and their informal carers develop confidence and competence in stoma management is an important part of community nursing support. This might include teaching appliance change technique, explaining how to identify early signs of complication, and providing guidance on diet, hydration, and lifestyle considerations.

Coordination With Stomal Therapy Nurses and Treating Team

Community nurses delivering stoma care in Brisbane liaise with stomal therapy nurses (STNs), colorectal surgeons, GPs, and other members of the treating team to ensure the stoma management plan remains appropriate and up to date.

Who Delivers Stoma Care Under the NDIS?

Stoma care is a clinical nursing task that must be delivered by registered nurses. For complex stoma presentations or complications, a stomal therapy nurse,a registered nurse with specialist post-graduate qualification in stoma, wound, and continence care,may be involved in assessment and care planning.

When evaluating providers in Brisbane, ask about the nursing qualifications of the staff who will deliver your stoma care, and whether they have access to specialist stomal therapy expertise when needed.

How Is Stoma Care Funded Under the NDIS?

Stoma care nursing visits are typically funded under the Core Supports budget (High Intensity Daily Personal Activities), reflecting the clinical skill level required. Stoma appliance consumables,the pouching system, barrier rings, adhesive removers, and skin protectants,may be funded separately under the Consumables budget or, for eligible participants, through the Stoma Appliance Scheme (a separate Australian Government program).

Frequently Asked Questions: Stoma Care and the NDIS

Is stoma care the same as bowel management?

They are related but distinct. Bowel management refers to a broader set of strategies and supports for participants with bowel dysfunction,which may include stoma care for those with a stoma, but also encompasses catheterisation, manual evacuation, suppository administration, and bowel routine development for participants without a stoma.

Related reading: Bowel Management Support Through the NDIS

Can a support worker help with my stoma?

Support workers can assist with some stoma-related tasks,such as gathering equipment or providing personal care before and after a stoma change,but the clinical aspects of stoma management, including appliance changes and skin assessment, must be performed by a registered nurse.

What products are used for stoma care?

Stoma care products vary significantly depending on the type and location of the stoma, the nature and consistency of the output, and the condition of the peristomal skin. Your community nurse will assess your individual situation and recommend an appropriate product range,including the pouching system (one-piece or two-piece), barrier rings, and any skin protective products required.

How often will a nurse visit for stoma care?

Visit frequency depends on the type of stoma, appliance type, output characteristics, and whether any complications are present. Some participants require daily visits; others may manage with visits every two to three days. Your nurse will recommend a schedule based on clinical assessment.

Can the NDIS also fund my stoma bags and supplies?

NDIS plans may fund stoma consumables under the Consumables budget. However, there is also a separate Australian Government program,the Stoma Appliance Scheme,that provides subsidised stoma products to eligible ostomates. Your community nurse or stomal therapy nurse can advise you on what funding sources are available for consumables.

What should I do if my appliance leaks between nursing visits?

If you experience an appliance leak, contact your nursing provider,a good provider will have an on-call pathway for clinical advice and, where needed, an urgent visit. Your nurse can also provide education and strategies to help reduce the likelihood of leaks between scheduled visits.

Conclusion

Stoma care is an area of nursing practice that benefits enormously from consistency, clinical skill, and a genuine understanding of the participant’s individual needs. For NDIS participants in Brisbane living with a stoma, finding a registered community nursing provider with relevant expertise can significantly improve both the clinical management of the stoma and the participant’s overall quality of life.

Our nursing team provides stoma care support to NDIS participants across Brisbane. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.