ADP and the Ostomate

This article appeared in the January 2004 issue of UOAC's monthly bulletin, The Connection, and was written by Lorna Singh, Central Ontario's District Support Services Repre- sentative. It discusses how to stretch your ADP cheque from the Ontario Government by being frugal, careful and shopping competitively. • Article added January 26, 2004


Rate This Article


For information regarding the ADP grant  (also referred to as supplement) provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for ostomates with permanent ostomies, please refer to LDOA's article, Ostomy Supplies Grant.

Vote and be counted!! The ADP grant has not been increased in 11 years. LDOA would like to know what you think about this – is it time for change or let sleeping dogs lie? Cast your vote, leave your comments, take our survey, and let's see where we stand on this issue.  ADP Grant Survey and Poll

On a recent chapter visit, the subject of my presentation centered on the provincial grant we ostomates in Ontario receive for ostomy supplies. This grant is distributed to us every six months for a total of $600 annually. This grant is derived through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and all permanent ostomates apply by filling out an Ostomy Grant Application Information form. The topic of my talk that evening was titled  ADP and the Ostomate  and here are some highlights of that presentation.

History

The amount of the ADP grant that is now in existence came into being approximately 11 years ago. There was a general assess- ment of all ostomates by government officials and medical personnel and a consensus was reached that all ostomates with one stoma would receive $600 annually for the expense of the equipment needed for us to lead our lives as normally as poss- ible. This grant was sent to each registered ostomate in two installments of $300.

Reality

The cost of the equipment has risen dramatically in the past 11 years. More research on the part of the manufacturers has taken place, and we have seen many improvements over the years. But innovative products and research are costly and the cost has been passed along to the consumer, which is the normal way of doing business. Suppliers, such as our local pharmacies, incur costs in the distribution of the ostomy products, which also adds to the expense of the product. Their service and the convenience of picking up one box of supplies at a time also carries a price tag.

Action

At this point, the ADP grant is not being increased.

So what can we, the ostomate, do to stretch our resources? Plenty!  We need to ask ourselves some questions:

  • Are we wearing the Cadillac style of appliances?
    (pre-cut openings, two-piece)


  • Are we wearing disposable pouches?
    (one wear and throw away)


  • Can we extend the wearing life of the appliance by one day?

The first step in the management of our funds and equipment is:

  1. Go to your ET and have your equipment checked by a professional. (No, not that equipment!)  A number of things may be discovered – the appliance might not fit properly or a rash might have developed. Our ETs know how to fit the correct appliance for the right stoma. Their help is invaluable.

  2. Check with your local ostomy supplier about pricing. Could another product fit you as well as the one you came home from the hospital with and be less costly? Switching from a two-piece to a one-piece system may cut some cost as well.

  3. Obtain a free sample from the manufacturer before switching to a new product. This saves a costly investment in a box of ten and, if this product is definitely not for you, then you have not wasted part of your grant money on something unsuitable.

  4. Find out if you have other resources available to you. This may be a private insurance or, if you are a Veteran, you may be able to receive funding from Veteran Affairs. If you are dis- abled, make sure that you are receiving your Disability Grant and applying for the Disability Tax Credit on your Income Tax.

  5. Set up a Chapter Fund for emergencies for ostomates who have followed all of the above suggestions, but who still find themselves in need. Some of the situations which may occur are temporary ostomates or ostomates who find themselves on government assistance but the funding hasn’t yet started.

  6. If any ostomate runs into excessive expense (double, for instance) for ostomy equipment, contact your ET for an assessment of the situation.

We can stretch this funding by being frugal, careful and shopping competitively. I hope these suggestions are helpful.

~ Lorna Singh
Central Ontario DSS

Rate This Article

Disclaimer • This site and its contents are presented expressly for informational purposes only about London & District Ostomy Association (LDOA) and gastrointestinal and/or urinary diversions in general. In no way are any of the materials presented here meant to be a substitute for professional medical care or proper attention by a qualified physician, nor should they be construed as such. Always check with your doctor or ET if you have any questions or concerns about your condition or before starting a new program or treatment. The Webmaster and LDOA are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by this site.