When you arrange a continence assessment through continenceassessment.com.au, you can choose between an in-home continence assessment or a telehealth continence assessment.
Both options are provided by our qualified continence nurses and follow the same thorough clinical assessment process. Both result in a personalised continence management plan and written report.
The main difference is how the assessment takes place. Your location, mobility, home environment, availability, technology preferences and personal comfort may all help determine which option is best for you.
We understand that discussing bladder and bowel concerns can feel personal. Our aim is to make the assessment as comfortable, respectful and straightforward as possible, whichever option you choose.
Not sure which option is right for you? Call our friendly team on 1300 182 273 and we can talk through your circumstances and help you decide.
The short answer
For many people, an in-home assessment can be helpful because your continence nurse is able to see your home environment and, where appropriate, observe mobility, bathroom access and the continence products you currently use.
A telehealth assessment can be a convenient alternative, particularly if you live in a regional or remote area, would prefer not to have someone visit your home, or would like an appointment sooner.
Neither option is automatically better. The most suitable choice depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
If you're still unsure, we're happy to help you make the choice that's right for you.
In-home vs telehealth continence assessment at a glance
Both assessment options are provided by qualified continence nurses and follow a thorough clinical process. The table below highlights some of the practical differences to help you decide which option may suit you best.
| Feature | In-Home | Telehealth |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Your continence nurse visits you at home | You meet with your continence nurse securely by video |
| Appointment length | 60 to 90 minutes | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Total clinical time | 5 to 7 hours per participant | 5 to 7 hours per participant |
| Home environment | Can be observed directly | Discussed with you during the appointment |
| Mobility and bathroom access | Can be observed where appropriate | Discussed during the appointment |
| Continence products | You can show your nurse what you currently use | You can show products to your nurse via video if helpful |
| Availability | Available in Australian capital cities | Available Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas |
| Appointment availability | May vary depending on location | Often more flexible, subject to availability |
| Report | Personalised written report | Personalised written report |
| Family/carer involvement | Family and carers can attend in person | Family and carers can join by video, including from another location |
| Children and adults | Suitable for children and adults | Suitable for children and adults |
| Privacy and dignity | Maintained throughout the assessment | Maintained throughout the assessment |
What an in-home continence assessment involves
An in-home assessment allows your qualified continence nurse to meet with you in the comfort of your own home.
Your nurse will take the time to understand your bladder and bowel concerns, health history, medications, daily routines, current continence products and how continence is affecting your everyday life.
Where appropriate and with your consent, being in your home may also allow your nurse to better understand practical considerations such as:
- How easily you can access and use your bathroom
- Mobility around your home
- Transfers and other practical considerations
- Where continence products are stored or used
- Your current continence products
- Environmental factors that may be affecting toileting
The assessment is always guided by your needs, comfort and consent. You will be supported throughout the appointment, and your nurse will explain what they are doing and why.
Why some people prefer an in-home assessment
An in-home assessment may be particularly helpful if:
- You would like your nurse to see your home environment
- Mobility or bathroom access is an important part of your assessment
- You would like to show your nurse the products you currently use
- You prefer face-to-face appointments
- A family member or carer would like to be involved in person
- You would feel more comfortable discussing your needs face-to-face
What a telehealth continence assessment involves
A telehealth assessment gives you the opportunity to meet with a qualified continence nurse from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Your nurse will send you a secure video link before your appointment. You can join using a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone.
The assessment covers the same key areas as an in-home assessment, including your health history, bladder and bowel function, medications, routines, current products and the impact continence has on your daily life.
You can also show your nurse relevant products or equipment using your camera if this is helpful.
Physical observation of the home environment is not part of a telehealth assessment, but your nurse can talk through your home setup, mobility and bathroom access with you.
Why some people prefer telehealth
Telehealth may be a particularly good option if:
- You live in a regional or remote area
- You would prefer not to have a visitor in your home
- You would like greater flexibility around appointment availability
- Family members or carers live in different locations
- You are already comfortable using video appointments
- Travelling to an appointment would be difficult or inconvenient
Do I need any special technology?
No. You simply need a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone and a reliable internet connection.
You don't usually need to download any special software. We'll provide the information you need before your appointment.
If you're not confident using video technology, please let us know. Our team can help you with the process or discuss whether an in-home assessment may be more suitable.
When might an in-home assessment be the better choice?
An in-home assessment may be particularly useful when the home environment, mobility or bathroom access is an important part of understanding your continence needs.
For example:
- You have difficulty getting to or using the toilet
- Mobility or transfers are affecting toileting
- You would like your bathroom setup considered
- You would like your existing continence products reviewed in person
- A family member or carer would like to participate face-to-face
- You simply feel more comfortable talking with your nurse in person
When might telehealth be the better choice?
Telehealth can make accessing continence care easier when travelling or having a nurse visit your home isn't ideal.
It may suit you if:
- You live outside a metropolitan area
- You would prefer an appointment from home without a face-to-face visit
- You need flexibility around appointment availability
- Your family or support network lives elsewhere
- You are comfortable using video technology
- Travelling would be difficult due to your health, mobility or other circumstances
What both assessment options have in common
Whichever option you choose, our priority is to provide individualised, respectful and clinically thorough continence care. You can read more about the appointment itself in our what to expect during a continence assessment guide.
Both options provide:
- Assessment by a qualified continence nurse
- A personalised review of your bladder and bowel needs
- Consideration of your daily routines and lifestyle
- Review of your current continence products where relevant
- Individualised recommendations
- A personalised continence management plan
- A written report
- Clinical review of the completed assessment
- Support for family members and carers to be involved
- Respect for your privacy, dignity, choices and preferences
The purpose of offering both options is to make continence care more accessible and convenient, while ensuring you receive the support that is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Both options are delivered in partnership with Caremmunity.
Can I change from telehealth to in-home, or vice versa, after booking?
Yes. If you've booked an assessment and later realise another format would suit you better, please contact our team on 1300 182 273 or reply to your booking confirmation email.
Where availability allows, we'll do our best to accommodate the change.
We understand that circumstances can change, and we'd rather help you find the assessment format that works best for you.
What about funding? Does it change between formats?
The available funding pathway depends on your individual circumstances and the type of assessment you require.
If you are an NDIS participant, a Support at Home funding recipient, a CAPS applicant or a private-pay client, our team can help explain the relevant assessment and funding process before you proceed.
For more information, see our guides to NDIS funding for continence assessments, Support at Home funding for continence assessments and CAPS funding.
Common questions about in-home vs telehealth continence assessments
Is a telehealth continence assessment as clinically valuable as in-home?
Yes. Both in-home and telehealth continence assessments are conducted by the same tertiary-qualified continence nurses, both involve 5 to 7 hours of total clinical time per participant, and both produce the same NDIS-ready written report and personalised continence management plan. The formats differ in how the appointment is delivered, not in the clinical rigour applied.
Which is faster to book, in-home or telehealth continence assessment?
Telehealth continence assessments are usually available sooner. In-home continence assessments in most capital cities can be booked within 5 to 10 business days. Telehealth continence assessments are often available within days. If a plan review deadline is approaching, telehealth is often the better choice for that reason alone.
Which format is better for elderly participants?
It depends on the individual. For elderly participants comfortable with video technology, telehealth continence assessment works well. For those unfamiliar with video calls, in-home is usually the smoother experience because it avoids adding a technology learning curve to a sensitive appointment.
Can I have a physical examination via telehealth?
No. Physical observation is not part of a telehealth continence assessment. Any physical observation, when it is part of an in-home continence assessment, is always optional, always consent-based, and involves things like observing mobility or skin integrity. Most continence assessments do not require physical observation to produce a complete report.
What technology do I need for a telehealth continence assessment?
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. The secure video link works in any modern browser. No downloads are required. If you are not comfortable with video technology, tell us at booking and our team will either walk you through the setup or suggest an in-home continence assessment instead.
Can I switch from telehealth to in-home after booking?
Yes. Contact our team on 1300 182 273 or reply to your booking confirmation email. Where in-home availability allows, switching between formats is straightforward and comes with no penalty.
See all 46 questions and answers on our continence assessment FAQs page.
Ready to book your continence assessment
Whether you choose an in-home or telehealth assessment, we're here to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
The best option is the one that works for you: your location, circumstances, preferences and support needs.
If you're unsure which format would be most suitable, our friendly team can talk it through with you.
Book online, call 1300 182 273, or arrange a free 15-minute conversation with our team to discuss your options.