Understanding Different Types of Incontinence: Urinary Incontinence, Faecal Incontinence & NDIS Continence Support
Introduction
Did you know that 1 in 4 Australians live with incontinence? From occasional bladder leaks to bowel control challenges, continence issues can affect people of all ages — including children, adults, and the elderly. If you or a loved one is living with incontinence due to a disability, an NDIS continence assessment can help provide the right support, guidance, and continence products through a personalised care plan.
That’s where an NDIS continence assessment can make a difference. Through the NDIS, eligible participants can access expert continence nurses, management plans, and ongoing support.
At A1 Care Group , we offer personalised continence care — including support for urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, and related conditions — helping you or your loved ones live more independently and confidently.
Incontinence is when you lose control over your bowels or bladder. It could range from tiny leaks to complete loss of control. It may be temporary or continuous.
If you’re eligible, a continence nurse can conduct an NDIS continence assessment to create a personalised support plan.
Common causes are:
A continence assessment is a personalised session where a trained nurse or health professional works closely with you (and your carer or support worker if needed) to understand your individual needs. It’s done in a private, respectful, and supportive way, either in your home or through a video call.
Muscle weakness due to age.
Childbirth and Pregnancy.
Conditions that affect the brain.
Cognitive or mobility impairments due to disabilities.
If you or a loved ones have issues with continence or issues with continence, the examination of the continence by a certified nurse will help determine the source and formulate an individual continence plan.
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Urinary incontinence is one of the more commonly encountered kinds. It occurs when you lose control over your bladder, resulting in unexpected leaks.
Our team can guide you through the NDIS Continence Assessment process to manage symptoms like stress or urge incontinence.
The types of urinary incontinence are:
Stress Incontinence:
Leaking when you cough or laugh, sneeze, or do exercises.
Urge Incontinence:
An intense, sudden urge to urinate but not enough time to get to the toilet.
Overflow Incontinence:
The bladder isn’t appropriately emptied, causing drips.
Functional Incontinence:
Difficulty reaching the toilet due to mobility issues or cognitive problems.
Should you, or someone else you know, exhibit these signs and symptoms, a bladder control test performed by a nurse specialising in continence care in Melbourne — or through virtual Telehealth assessments available Australia-wide — can be highly beneficial.
2. Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence or bowel incontinence is the loss of control over the movement of the bowels. Many participants are unaware that faecal incontinence may be supported through an NDIS continence assessment.
Common causes are:
Constipation, diarrhoea, or chronic constipation.
Birth trauma or surgery.
Conditions of the brain, such as MS or stroke.
Severe digestive conditions (e.g., Crohn’s, IBS).
Incontinence faeces could include the leaking of stool, staining underwear, or not being able to stop gas from passing.
A stool management plan created by a continence nurse could assist you in managing symptoms and accessing products for continence as part of the NDIS plan.
3. Other Related Continence Conditions
Mixed Incontinence having both urinary and bowel incontinence.
Nocturnal Enuresis: Nighttime bedwetting (common for adults or children who have a disability).
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD): Problems with the skin caused by constant humidity exposure.
Functional Incontinence: Cognitive or physical barriers create difficulties in getting to the toilet on time.
Conditions like nocturnal enuresis or mixed incontinence can also be addressed via a formal NDIS continence assessment.
An examination of your continence will help determine the type you have and enable you to deal with it effectively.
An NDIS Continence Assessment provides the basis for ongoing care, product funding, and continence planning. If your incontinence is related to an impairment, you may be eligible for NDIS funding that could cover:
Continuous assessments from qualified nurses.
The bowel and bladder control plans.
Products from Continence (pads, catheters, bed protectors).
Community nursing care provides everyday assistance.
Support coordinators can also help you find the appropriate continence service providers.
Our qualified nurses are experienced in conducting NDIS Continence Assessment , either in-home or via Telehealth. We are A1 Care Group, we specialise in providing continence care to NDIS participants:
Experienced, qualified continence nurses.
Home or Telehealth appointments for continence.
Plans for personalised continence management.
Community nursing care continues to be provided.
A simple referral process for support coordinators
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you care about experiences any signs of urinary incontinence, don’t delay; help is on the way.
