Wound and Ostomy Care
Recovering from a complex wound or recent ostomy procedure may make self-care hard to manage. The certified wound and ostomy care nurses at Johns Hopkins Care at Home provide expert wound care and ostomy management in your home. We provide care that supports your recovery and helps prevent complications with post-operative, acute or chronic wounds.
Our services are available to people throughout Baltimore City, Washington, D.C., and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. You will need a referral from your provider to get started.
Who might benefit from wound and ostomy care at home?
Our wound and ostomy care experts help provide a smooth transition upon discharge from the hospital. You might qualify for skilled care if you need support while recovering from a recent injury or surgery. Your doctor may also provide a referral if you have a specific diagnosis that requires skilled care.
Our certified wound and ostomy nurses provide high-quality care for people who have:
- An ostomy, such as a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy (surgically created opening that carries waste from the body)
- Nonhealing wounds due to burns, infections, hospitalization, poor circulation, recent surgery or trauma
- Wounds that have not improved after two weeks
- Wounds that have worsened even after other treatment
- Severe pressure ulcers
- Conditions that can interfere with wound healing, such as diabetes and heart disease
- Complex wound care needs
Services We Offer for Wound and Ostomy Care
Our expert wound and ostomy care includes the following services to help you enjoy a better quality of life at home and avoid the need for hospitalization. Services we offer include:
- Skilled care: Our nurses treat wounds, change dressings, monitor ostomies and provide injections, infusions, pain management and other treatments.
- Education: We teach you and your caregivers about wound management and ostomy care, including how to change dressings and the ostomy pouch. We explain issues to watch for, such as new symptoms or treatment side effects.
- Health assessment: We carefully evaluate you to monitor progress and check vital signs and symptoms. We address any issues that could lead to hospitalization.
- Support for ongoing ostomy care: We help you adapt to life with an ostomy by connecting you with support groups and other resources. We listen to your concerns and help you return to work, school and other activities with confidence.
Contact Us
Learn more about our program and how we can help you:
Why choose Johns Hopkins Care at Home for wound and ostomy care?
Our specialized nurses help you stay safe and comfortable at home, while receiving care for complex wounds and adjusting to life with an ostomy. Highlights of our wound and ostomy care services are:
Multidisciplinary team
With Johns Hopkins Care at Home, you have access to a team of health care providers from several fields of medicine, including nursing, social work, nutrition, and rehab services. Our providers work together to develop a care plan tailored to your needs. The team meets regularly to review progress, adjusting the care plan as needed.
Certified wound and ostomy care nurses
Our nurses have extensive experience caring for hospitalized patients. Many of our nurses have achieved certification from the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). Our program provides ongoing, expert training so our team continues to improve its skills and knowledge.
A focus on quality and safety
As part of Johns Hopkins Care at Home, our wound and ostomy care services have received accreditation from the Joint Commission, an organization whose recognition shows that our dedication to patient care meets or exceeds national standards for safety and quality. Our quality check system ensures your safety for every service or procedure we provide. We follow WOCN and Joint Commission guidelines to provide the best possible care. See our ratings for quality of patient care at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Wound and Ostomy Care: What to Expect
With expert services from our nurses, you and your caregivers can safely manage your care to help you stay independent. Here’s what you can expect when you are referred to us:
- Initial in-home assessment: We schedule a visit with one of our nurses to meet with you in your home.
- Personalized care plan: Our team works together to create a care plan tailored to your health needs and goals. The care plan includes the frequency, number and type of home health visits that we and your doctor recommend.
- Patient and family caregiver support: Our nurses provide education to show you and your caregivers how to care for wounds and ostomies. We leave you with handouts, many available in multiple languages, and written instructions for self-care. The goal is to keep you heal safely at home by learning to manage care on your own.
- Adjustments to the care plan: Our team meets regularly to evaluate your progress and update your care plan as needed. Our careful monitoring and thorough education help you avoid hospital visits and stay safe at home.