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 comprehensive review of your bladder and bowel function, daily routines and current continence management. It is conducted by a qualified continence nurse who takes the time to understand your individual circumstances, concerns and goals.

Your assessment may consider areas such as:

• bladder function and urinary patterns
• bowel function and bowel patterns
• toileting routines and access
• mobility and functional needs
• skin integrity around the perineal area
• current continence products or aids
• how continence affects your everyday activities, comfort and quality of life
• strategies that may help improve your continence management
• appropriate funding pathways for your identified needs

A continence assessment is not a diagnostic medical procedure. Your Continence Nurse Specialist assesses your continence needs and provides clinical recommendations, while a GP or medical specialist diagnoses and treats medical conditions where required.

Following your assessment, you receive practical recommendations and a personalised continence management plan that can help guide your ongoing care and support.

For NDIS participants, a continence assessment may also provide important clinical information to support discussions about continence products, equipment and other disability-related supports.

Assessments can be completed in your home or via telehealth, depending on your circumstances and preference.

Who conducts an NDIS continence assessment?

An NDIS continence assessment should be conducted by a suitably qualified healthcare professional with specific knowledge and experience in continence assessment and management.

At Caremmunity, assessments are conducted by Tertiary Qualified Nurse Continence Specialists with postgraduate qualifications and specialist training in continence nursing.

A Continence Nurse Specialist has additional clinical knowledge in areas including bladder and bowel function, continence management, toileting, continence products, skin care and practical strategies to support independence and quality of life.

This is different from a general nursing assessment because the nurse brings specialist continence knowledge to the assessment and recommendations.

At Caremmunity, our nurses work within a clinical review framework overseen by senior continence clinicians. This provides an additional level of clinical review and supports consistency and quality across our assessment and reporting process.

Who can access an NDIS continence assessment?

NDIS participants who have disability-related continence support needs may be able to access continence assessment and related supports through their NDIS plan, depending on their individual circumstances and the funding available in their plan.

Continence needs can occur at any age. Children, adolescents and adults may all require continence support, particularly where a disability affects bladder or bowel function, toileting, mobility, communication or independence.

An assessment may be particularly helpful if:

• continence needs have changed
• current continence products are no longer suitable
• there are difficulties with toileting or bathroom access
• continence is affecting participation in everyday activities
• skin problems are occurring
• a participant needs assistance identifying appropriate continence products or equipment
• additional continence supports may need to be considered as part of an NDIS plan review

Support coordinators, plan managers, families, carers and self-managed participants can contact Caremmunity to discuss an assessment.

If you are unsure whether an assessment may be appropriate for your circumstances, our team can discuss your situation and explain the available options before an appointment is arranged.

Call 1300 182 273 to speak with the Caremmunity team.

What does the assessment cost under NDIS?

The way an NDIS continence assessment is funded can depend on the participant's individual plan, funding arrangements and the nature of the support required.

Before an assessment is booked, Caremmunity can discuss the relevant funding pathway with you and help clarify what information is required.

Where an assessment is able to be funded through a participant's NDIS plan, the applicable assessment fee is generally claimed against the participant's available funding in accordance with their plan and applicable NDIS requirements.

The assessment process may include the nurse's clinical assessment, clinical review and preparation of the written report. Any additional services or follow-up appointments can be discussed with you beforehand.

For participants who are unsure about their available funding, we recommend speaking with your plan manager, support coordinator or the Caremmunity team before booking.

Continence assessments are also available for people accessing other funding pathways, including Support at Home and private-pay clients.

If you would like to discuss which pathway may apply to you, call 1300 182 273.

What happens during your assessment

A continence assessment with a qualified continence nurse follows a structured process designed to gather the information needed to understand your individual needs and provide useful, practical recommendations.

Here is what you can expect.

Step 1: Booking and 15-minute intake call

When you book your continence assessment online or by phone, the Caremmunity team will confirm your details and discuss the assessment process with you.

Depending on your circumstances, a brief 15-minute intake call may also be arranged before your assessment.

This gives the team an opportunity to understand the reason for the referral, confirm relevant details and make sure the nurse has the information needed for your appointment.

It is a short introductory conversation rather than a full clinical assessment.

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

Your main assessment usually takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

You can choose an in-home assessment or telehealth, depending on what works best for you.

During your appointment, your Continence Nurse Specialist may ask about:

• your bladder and bowel function
• toileting routines
• relevant health history
• medications
• mobility and physical function
• communication needs
• daily routines and activities
• current continence products or aids
• fluid and dietary patterns
• skin integrity and any concerns
• the impact continence has on your everyday life

Your nurse will guide the conversation and give you time to explain what is happening in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Continence can sometimes be a sensitive or embarrassing subject, and there is no need to feel uncomfortable or judged. Your nurse's role is to listen, understand your needs and work with you to identify practical solutions.

All information is handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy requirements.

To help make the assessment as useful as possible, you may wish to keep a bladder or bowel diary for a few days before your appointment. Your nurse can provide a template if required.

You can also have your current continence products available so your nurse can discuss whether they remain appropriate.

These are helpful but optional. Your nurse can still complete a thorough assessment without them.

Step 3: Report delivery within 10 business days

Following your assessment, your nurse prepares a detailed written report.

Depending on your individual circumstances, the report may include:

• assessment findings
• continence history and current management
• identified continence needs
• personalised management recommendations
• continence product recommendations
• equipment recommendations where appropriate
• strategies to support toileting and independence
• relevant funding considerations
• recommendations for ongoing review

The report is clinically reviewed as part of Caremmunity's assessment process and is generally provided within 10 business days of the assessment.

Step 4: Optional review meeting and product supply

If you would like to talk through your report or have questions about the recommendations, a follow-up discussion can be arranged.

Where continence products are recommended, Caremmunity can also assist with product selection and supply options.

Our focus is on identifying products that are appropriate for the participant's individual functional needs, rather than recommending a particular product simply because of its brand.

How long does the whole process take?

From your first enquiry through to receiving your written report, the timeframe can vary depending on appointment availability, location and the complexity of your assessment.

Typically:

• Booking: In-home appointment availability varies by location. Telehealth may provide additional flexibility, particularly for participants in regional or remote areas.
• Appointment: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes, either in-home or via telehealth.
• Report: Generally provided within 10 business days following the assessment.

We understand that continence support can be time-sensitive, particularly when products are no longer working well or a participant's needs have changed.

Our team will work with you to arrange an appointment as soon as practical based on availability.

What you receive after the assessment

Following your NDIS continence assessment, you may receive:

• A written continence assessment report: A comprehensive summary of your continence needs, relevant clinical findings and current management.
• A personalised management plan: Practical recommendations tailored to your individual needs, abilities, routines and goals.
• Product and equipment recommendations: Where appropriate, recommendations for continence products or equipment based on your functional requirements.
• Funding information: Guidance to help you and your support team understand the potential funding pathway for identified continence supports.
• Recommended review schedule: Advice about when your continence needs may benefit from reassessment or review.

Your report can also provide useful clinical evidence for discussions with your support coordinator, plan manager, GP or other healthcare professionals.

The information in your report is intended to support your ongoing care and NDIS planning. Funding decisions remain the responsibility of the NDIS and are based on the participant's individual circumstances and plan.

How to book your NDIS continence assessment

Booking your continence assessment is straightforward.

You have three options:

• Online: Complete the referral form and a Caremmunity team member will contact you 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.