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Visitor Training Program
Please contact
Paul Erickson - pauljerickson@bostonoab.org
Phone: (781) 762-6503
If you are a member of OAB, have had your ostomy for at least one year, feel comfortable with yourself and your ostomy and are interested in helping others through the adjustment process, we welcome your attendance. One of the most important services of the OAB is our Visitors Program. Talking one-on-one with somebody who has been there, recovered and returned to an active lifestyle is often a very important step in adjusting to a new ostomy or continent procedure. Our goal is to assist in the individual's rehabilitation and adjustment by providing information, empathy, and to act as positive role models.
What is an OAB Visit?
Specially trained OAB members are available to visit patients both before and after surgery. Upon request, the OAB visitor will contact the person to discuss any areas of concern and to share experiences. No topic is off-limits, with the exception of medical advice!
Whenever possible, we will try to match the patient with a visitor who is the same gender and approximately the same age and has had the same procedure and the same original medical problem as the patient.
Where will the Visit take place?
The visit will be wherever the patient is most comfortable. In the past, most visits occurred in the patient's hospital room a week or so after surgery. However, these days many patients have been discharged from the hospital by the time OAB may receive the Visitor request.
Visits can take place in patients' homes either before or after their hospital stay, and Visitors are encouraged to place follow-up phone calls a month or two after the initial visit to see how the patient is progressing. Visits are arranged to suit the schedules of both the patient and the OAB volunteer Visitor. Telephone "visits" also occur, but a face-to-face encounter with someone who has "been there and done that" is often the most powerful medicine available!
How do I request a Visitor?
Requests can come from any health professional (physician, ET/WOCNurse ,social workers, etc.), family members, or directly from you by calling our office at (508) 270-4656.
Secure Visitor Intake Referral
Visitor Intake Referral (sent via email)
How do I become a Visitor?
Visitor Training is offered several times a year and is available to OAB members who have had their surgery for at least one year.
Contact Paul Erickson - pauljerickson@bostonoab.org
Phone: (781) 762-6503 for the future schedule for the Visitor Training Programs.
The Visitor Training Registration Form can be completed and sent online.
The linked page can also be printed and sent to :
30 Speen Street
Framingham, MA 01701
The Following Link is to be used to give feedback to the Visitor Chairs once the patient visitor is completed.
Link to Visitor Response Form
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