The Complete Guide to NDIS Continence Assessments in Australia: What to Expect, How Funding Works, and How to Book

What is a continence assessment?

A continence assessment is a functional evaluation of your bladder and bowel health conducted by a qualified continence nurse. A qualified continence nurse reviews how your bladder and bowel are working, what products or equipment you currently use, how your daily routines are affected, and what support might improve your quality of life.

The assessment looks at several areas: bladder function and patterns, bowel function and patterns, skin integrity around the pelvic and perineal area, the suitability of any continence products you currently use, and what funding pathway best supports your ongoing needs. It is not a diagnostic medical procedure; your Continence Nurse Specialist reviews and assesses, and a GP or specialist diagnoses. What you receive is a practical, actionable management plan that you can take to your NDIS plan review, your GP, or your support coordinator.

For NDIS participants, a continence assessment is often the gateway to accessing funded continence products, a personalised management plan, and ongoing support from a qualified continence nurse. The assessment is conducted in your home or via telehealth, whichever you prefer.

Who conducts an NDIS continence assessment?

Every NDIS continence assessment is conducted by a Tertiary Qualified Nurse Continence Specialist with a post graduate qualification and specialisations in Continence. These nurses hold a formal qualification in continence nursing, typically a Graduate Certificate in Continence or equivalent, and work under the title Continence Nurse Specialist.

A Continence Nurse Specialist is not the same as a general practice nurse or a hospital-based RN. They have completed additional clinical training specifically in the assessment and management of bladder and bowel conditions, product selection, and continence-related funding pathways. At Caremmunity, every nurse works within a clinical review team overseen by a senior Continence Nurse Specialist, so every management plan reflects current best practice and has been reviewed by at least two clinicians before it reaches you.

Who can access an NDIS continence assessment?

Any NDIS participant with continence-related support needs listed in their plan can access a continence assessment with a qualified continence nurse. There is no separate approval step; eligibility is established through your NDIS plan, not through a standalone application.

Participants of any age can be referred: children managing daytime wetting or soiling, adolescents transitioning to self-management, adults with physical or intellectual disability, and older Australians receiving both NDIS and Aged Care supports. If you have Core Supports funding for continence or Capacity Building funding under Improved Daily Living, those categories can typically fund a continence assessment, though exactly which category applies depends on how your plan is structured.

Support coordinators and plan managers can refer directly. Families and self-managed participants can also book directly online or by phone. If you are unsure whether your plan covers a continence assessment, call 1300 182 273 and the Caremmunity team will confirm your funding pathway before any booking is made.

What does the assessment cost under NDIS?

For NDIS participants, continence assessments are fully funded through your plan; there is no out-of-pocket cost. The assessment fee is drawn from either Core Supports or Capacity Building, depending on how your plan is structured. You do not need to pay anything upfront and there is no gap to cover.

NDIS continence funding for assessments is designed to cover the full cost of the nurse's time, the clinical review, the written report, and any follow-up consultation needed to discuss the findings. The report is NDIS-ready, meaning it can be submitted directly to your plan manager or the NDIA for plan review.

For non-NDIS participants, including Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages) recipients and private-pay clients, continence assessments are also available. Support at Home assessments are coordinated with your provider and billed through your package. Private-pay clients receive a quote before booking. Call 1300 182 273 to confirm the funding pathway that applies to your situation.

What happens during your assessment

A continence assessment with a qualified continence nurse follows a structured four-step process, designed to be thorough without being overwhelming. Here is exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Booking and 15-minute intake call

When you book your continence assessment online or by phone, the Caremmunity team confirms your NDIS funding pathway and schedules a brief 15-minute intake call. This call covers the basics: your name, address, NDIS plan details, and any specific concerns you want the nurse to address. It is a short, informal conversation, not a clinical session.

Step 2: In-home or telehealth appointment (60 to 90 minutes)

The main assessment takes 60 to 90 minutes. If you choose an in-home appointment, a Continence Nurse Specialist visits you at home. If you choose telehealth, you connect via a secure video link; the same clinical process, just delivered remotely.

During the appointment your nurse will ask about your health history, current bladder and bowel symptoms, medications, mobility, daily routines, and the continence products or aids you currently use. The conversation is guided by your comfort level; you decide what to share and at what pace. All information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy law.

To get the most from your assessment, it helps to have a bladder and bowel diary for the few days leading up to the appointment (your nurse can send you a template), plus a list of the continence products you currently use. These are optional; your nurse can complete a thorough assessment without them.

Step 3: Report delivery within 10 business days

After the assessment, your nurse writes a detailed report that includes a personalised management plan, product and equipment recommendations, and any funding pathway guidance. The report is reviewed by the clinical team and delivered to you within 10 business days.

Step 4: Optional review meeting and product supply

If you would like to discuss the report findings, a follow-up meeting can be arranged. If your report recommends continence products, the Caremmunity team can coordinate supply through your NDIS funding, working with a range of product suppliers rather than favouring any single brand.

How long does the whole process take?

From first enquiry to receiving your written report, the timeline is typically:

• Booking: In-home continence assessments are usually available within 5 to 10 business days across every capital city. Telehealth appointments are often available sooner.
• Appointment: 60 to 90 minutes, in-home or via telehealth.
• Report: Delivered within 10 business days of your assessment.

In total, you can expect the full process, from booking to holding your NDIS-ready report, to take roughly three to four weeks. Telehealth bookings can shorten this by a week or more.

What you receive after the assessment

After your NDIS continence assessment, you receive:

• A written continence assessment report: a comprehensive document describing your bladder and bowel function, current management strategies, and clinical observations.
• A personalised management plan: practical, individualised recommendations covering toileting routines, fluid and diet adjustments, pelvic floor strategies, and skin care.
• Product and equipment recommendations: specific continence aids matched to your functional needs, with funding pathway options.
• NDIS funding recommendations: guidance on which funding category supports your ongoing continence needs, written in language the NDIA recognises.
• A recommended review schedule: when to reassess, aligned with your NDIS plan review cycle.

The report is NDIS-ready, meaning your support coordinator or plan manager can submit it directly for plan review without further clinical documentation.

How to book your NDIS continence assessment

Booking is straightforward and takes about two minutes. You have three options:

• Online: Complete the referral form and a Caremmunity team member will call you within one business day to confirm your booking.
• Phone: Call 1300 182 273 and speak directly with the Caremmunity intake team.
• Via your support coordinator: Your support coordinator or plan manager can book on your behalf using the same referral form or phone number.

Have your NDIS participant number and plan details ready if you have them. No GP referral is needed.

Related supports

Beyond the assessment itself, Caremmunity provides ongoing continence supports for NDIS participants:

• NDIS continence care plans: Ongoing management from a qualified continence nurse after your initial assessment, including regular reviews and adjustments.
• Continence product supply: Coordination of NDIS-funded continence products through a range of suppliers, matched to your functional needs.
• NDIS funding support: Assistance identifying and documenting your continence-related funding needs for plan reviews and plan reassessments.

For more information about any of these services, call 1300 182 273 or speak with your Continence Nurse Specialist at your assessment.

Frequently asked questions about NDIS continence assessments

Ready to book your assessment?

An NDIS continence assessment is one of the most practical and impactful supports available, and it starts with a single phone call or online form. Whether you are self-managing your plan or working through a support coordinator, the process is designed to be simple, respectful, and funded.

If you are ready to proceed, book your continence assessment online or call 1300 182 273. The Caremmunity intake team will confirm your funding pathway and match you with a Continence Nurse Specialist who serves your area.