What is a stoma?
You can find information about stomas and stoma care here.
- Australian Stoma – what is a stoma?
- Australian Stoma – be prepared and informed
- Australian Stoma – post surgery
Stoma Appliance Scheme and your entitlements
Ostomates receive products on a schedule approved by the Department of Health.
There are monthly or annual allowances on all products. If you require a product not listed on the schedule, you will have to pay the full price.
People temporarily travelling overseas are entitled to up to six months’ advance supply if they provide proof of travel arrangements to the Association.
Ostomates who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs entitlement number, that covers stoma surgery, have their costs covered by that department.
People holding permanent resident status (migrant) must live in Australia to be eligible for benefits. Information about migrant eligibility can be found on the DHS: Medicare website.
More information about the Stoma Appliance Scheme and your entitlements can be found here:
- Australian Stoma – Stoma Appliance Scheme information
- Department of Health – Stoma Appliances scheme
Frequent questions
Some common questions and answers about stomas and stoma support can be accessed here:
Stomas and nutrition
Eating well and being conscious of your nutrition needs are important parts of stoma management. You can find useful information here:
- Australian Stoma – nutrition
- Australian Stoma – hints and tips for eating with a colostomy
- Australian Stoma – hints and tips for eating with an ileostomy
- Australian Stoma – food, fluids and electrolyte balance
- Australian Stoma – hydration for ostomates
Body image, fitness and sexuality
Having a stoma changes the way that people feel about themselves. Taking a positive approach to health, fitness and the intimate aspects of your life is important in helping an ostomate’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
You can find some information and guidance here: