Living with bladder or bowel problems can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. For individuals with a disability, it can impact independence, confidence, and daily routines. That’s why the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for Continence Assessments—to help participants manage these issues and live more comfortably.
What is a Continence Assessment?
A continence assessment is a personalised health check where a trained nurse or healthcare professional works with you to understand and manage your bladder or bowel issues. These assessments are tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.
What Does a Continence Assessment Involve?
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.
Here’s what we cover during the assessment:
Understanding Your Medical History
We start by talking about your overall health and any medical conditions that could affect your bladder or bowel. This helps us understand if issues like medications, surgeries, disabilities, or past illnesses might contribute to continence concerns.
Discussing Toilet Habits and Patterns
We’ll gently ask questions about your toileting routine—how often you go, whether you have any accidents, if you feel urgency, or if you have difficulty going. This helps us get a clear picture of your day-to-day challenges so we can plan accordingly.
Reviewing Your Diet and Fluid Intake
What you eat and drink can have a big impact on bladder and bowel health. We’ll talk about your usual meals, how much water you drink, and if there are any foods that might be causing discomfort or making continence harder to manage.
Assessing Any Current Continence Products
If you're already using continence products like pads, liners, catheters, or creams, we’ll review what you’re using, how well they’re working, and whether there might be better or more cost-effective options for you. The goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, safe, and supported.
Identifying Goals to Improve Comfort and Confidence
Finally, we’ll talk about what you want to achieve. Whether that’s reducing accidents, finding better products, improving hygiene, or building your confidence in public spaces—we’ll work together to set goals and create a practical, easy-to-follow continence care plan.
After the assessment, you’ll receive a custom continence care plan with recommendations, product advice, and support strategies.
Why is Continence Support So Important?
Managing continence effectively can lead to big improvements in quality of life. It can:
• Boost independence and self-esteem
• Reduce the risk of infections or skin conditions
• Ease pressure on family or carers
• Help you participate in community and social activities
NDIS Funding for Continence Support
The NDIS may fund continence assessments if they are considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ to support your disability needs.
Supports covered may include:
• Continence assessments by a qualified nurse
• A personalised continence management plan
• Ongoing reviews and adjustments
• Continence products (e.g. pads, catheters, creams)
• Carer education and support
Our Service Areas: Telehealth Australia-wide + Door-to-Door in VIC
We make continence support accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
Telehealth Continence Assessments – Available Across Australia
You can now receive a professional continence assessment from the comfort of your home via video call. This is ideal for participants in remote, regional, or interstate areas. Our experienced ndis nurses will guide you through the process, offer advice, and create a personalised plan—just like a face-to-face session.
Door-to-Door Continence Assessments – In Selected Suburbs of Victoria
For participants in Victoria, we also offer in-person assessments at your home in the following
suburbs:
Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield,Hallam, Somerville, Lyndhurst, Lynbrook, Carrum Downs, Hampton Park, Langwarrin, Dandenong
We come to you with professionalism, privacy, and care.
How to Get Started with a Continence Assessment
Here’s how to arrange your assessment:
• Speak with your Support Coordinator: Ask to include continence support in your plan.
• Check your NDIS Plan: Look under “Improved Daily Living” for relevant funding.
• Book with us: Choose between Telehealth or Door-to-Door (based on your location).
• Get Assessed: Our nurse will complete the assessment and provide a tailored continence
plan.
• Access Ongoing Support: We’re here for reviews, product advice, and plan updates.
Financial Assistance for Continence Products
Managing incontinence often requires the ongoing use of specialised products such as pads, catheters, absorbent briefs, creams, and other continence aids. While these products are essential for maintaining comfort, dignity, and hygiene, they can also be expensive—especially when needed every day.
Help is Available
Thankfully, there is financial assistance available to help ease the cost burden for eligible individuals. If you’re an NDIS participant, continence products and related supports may be included in your plan under Core Supports or Consumables. This allows you to access the products you need to manage your daily routine with confidence.
In addition to NDIS funding, there are other programs and subsidies across Australia that can help.
These include:
• State and territory-based continence aid schemes
• Assistance for veterans and senior Australians
• Government-funded programs for children and young people with incontinence needs
Each program has different eligibility criteria, so it's important to find the right option for your situation.
Let’s Support Your Comfort and Confidence
Whether you're in the city, the suburbs, or a rural town—we're here to help.
At A1 Care Group, our continence assessments are respectful, private, and tailored to your unique needs. With Australia-wide telehealth and local home visits in Southeast Melbourne, getting support has never been easier. 📞 Contact us today to schedule your continence assessment or to speak with our friendly team.
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