If you have a continence assessment booked, or you are thinking about booking one, you may feel unsure or nervous. This is understandable. Bladder and bowel concerns can be difficult to talk about, especially with someone you have not met before.

This guide explains what to expect during your assessment, from meeting your continence nurse to receiving your written report. You can read it before booking or return to it before your appointment.

Every continence assessment through continenceassessment.com.au is completed by a tertiary-qualified continence nurse in partnership with Caremmunity. You will be supported by a nurse with training and experience in bladder, bowel and continence care.

Before your continence assessment, what to prepare

You do not need to do a lot to prepare. Your nurse will guide you through the appointment and explain each step.

Helpful to bring, all optional

A current medication list, including the dose and how often you take each medicine.
Recent GP or specialist letters about your bladder or bowel health.
The continence products you currently use, or a note of the brand, type and size.
A bladder or bowel diary, if you have already completed one.
Your NDIS or Support at Home information, if funding is being arranged through one of these programs.

A three-day bladder diary may be useful, but it is not required unless your nurse asks you to complete one.Continence Health Australia advises that a bladder diary is usually kept for two to three days, while a bowel diary may be kept for seven days.

Not required at all

A GP referral to book with our service.
Special clothing. Wear whatever feels comfortable.
Medical knowledge. Your nurse will explain everything in simple language.
To fast or limit fluids. Continue eating and drinking as usual unless a health professional has advised you otherwise.

You can have a family member, carer, advocate, support worker or friend with you. Please tell us when you book if you plan to have someone attend. There is no extra charge for a support person.

The moment your continence nurse arrives

Your nurse will introduce themselves, confirm your details and explain how the appointment will work. This applies whether your appointment is in your home or by telehealth.

At the beginning of the appointment, your nurse will explain:

What will happen during the assessment.
How your information will be used.
Which parts of the assessment are optional.
How to ask for a break or stop the appointment.
What documents you may receive afterwards.

You will also be asked to provide consent. Consent must be informed, which means you should understand what you are agreeing to and how your personal information will be handled. Learn more about consent from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Your nurse will give you time to settle in before discussing personal concerns. You can ask questions, take a break or say that you are not ready to discuss something. The assessment should move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

The conversation part

Much of the assessment is a private and respectful conversation about your health and daily life. Your nurse will ask clear questions to understand your needs and the effect continence has on you.

Topics your continence nurse will cover

Your general health, including relevant health conditions.
Your bladder habits, including frequency, urgency, leakage and night-time symptoms.
Your bowel habits, including frequency, stool consistency, pain, leakage or urgency.
Your medicines, because some can affect bladder or bowel function.
Your eating and drinking habits.
Your mobility, including whether you can reach and use the toilet safely.
Your daily routines and support needs.
The products, equipment or strategies you currently use.
The effect on your daily life, including sleep, work, social activities, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

These are common parts of a continence assessment. Continence Health Australia also notes that people may be asked about their symptoms, toilet habits, medicines, food and fluid intake, product use and ability to use the toilet independently.

You do not need to know every answer. It is fine to say that you are unsure. You can also choose not to answer a question. Your nurse will work with the information you feel comfortable sharing, although they will explain if missing information limits the advice or report they can provide.

The clinical review

Depending on your needs, your nurse may suggest a brief physical examination or observation. This is not required for every assessment.

It may include:

Watching how you move around your home.
Looking at how you transfer or position yourself.
Reviewing the products or equipment you use.
Looking at your bathroom or toilet setup.
Checking your skin, where this is clinically needed and you agree.

Your nurse will explain what they recommend, why it may help and what it involves. They will ask for your consent before proceeding. Continence Health Australia notes that a physical examination may be part of an assessment if the person is comfortable with it.

You can decline or stop an examination or observation. Your nurse can continue with the parts of the assessment you agree to. However, they will explain if not completing part of the assessment limits their findings or recommendations.

Physical examination is generally not possible by telehealth. Your nurse may make limited observations by video with your permission. If an in-person examination or medical review is needed, your nurse will explain the next step.

How dignity and privacy are protected throughout

Your nurse understands that bladder and bowel concerns can be personal and difficult to discuss. They will explain each part of the assessment and support you to make your own choices.

Practical dignity protections

Your nurse will check that you are comfortable to continue.
You can ask questions or request a break at any time.
You can decline a question, examination or observation.
Your support person can attend with your agreement.
You can ask to speak with your nurse privately.
Your nurse will use clear and respectful language.
You can ask what notes are being taken and why.

Your health information is sensitive information and must be handled carefully. Health service providers should explain how information is collected, used, stored and shared. Learn more from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

If you feel uncomfortable, tell your nurse. You can also call 1300 182 273 to discuss a concern with another member of the team.

What happens after your continence assessment

The appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, but the full process may involve additional clinical work afterwards. For our comprehensive assessment and report service, this may involve about 5 to 7 hours of clinical time in total, depending on your needs and the documents required.

This timeframe is specific to our service rather than a standard length for every continence assessment.

What your continence nurse does after the appointment

1Complete the clinical notes from your assessment.
2Review the information you provided.
3Consider factors that may be affecting your continence.
4Develop a personalised continence management plan.
5Prepare product or equipment recommendations, where appropriate.
6Prepare a report for its agreed purpose, which may include NDIS supporting evidence.
7Arrange a clinical review before finalising the documents.
8Send the documents to you and, with your consent, anyone you have nominated.

We aim to send your written continence management plan and report within 10 business days. We will contact you if more information is needed or there is a delay.

Your report will be sent as a PDF to the email address you nominate. With your consent, it may also be sent securely to your GP, support coordinator, plan manager or another person involved in your care.

For NDIS requests, an assessment can explain your disability-related continence needs and why particular products or supports may be needed. A report provides supporting evidence but does not guarantee funding. The NDIA makes the final decision.

What to expect emotionally

People can have different feelings before and after a continence assessment. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

Relief

You may feel relieved after discussing concerns you have managed privately for a long time. Speaking openly with a health professional can help you better understand your needs and available options.

A bit overwhelmed

The appointment may give you a lot of new information. You do not need to remember everything or make every decision straight away. You can take time to read your written plan and consider the next steps.

Hopeful

Many bladder and bowel concerns can be improved or managed with suitable health care, practical strategies, products and support. Your management plan will be based on your needs, goals and daily life.

If the assessment leaves you worried or unsettled, contact our team. We can explain the recommendations, discuss follow-up support or suggest another suitable health professional or service.

Common questions right before your continence assessment

How long does the continence assessment appointment take?

The continence assessment appointment itself takes 60 to 90 minutes, whether in-home or via telehealth. A complete continence assessment involves 5 to 7 hours of total clinical time per participant, most of which happens after your appointment.

Can I have someone with me during my continence assessment?

Yes. A family member, carer, support worker, or representative is welcome to attend. Let us know at booking so your qualified continence nurse arrives prepared.

Do I have to answer every question?

No. If you would rather not answer a question, you can say so. Your continence nurse works with what you are comfortable sharing. You are also welcome to pause the appointment at any point.

Is a physical observation always part of the continence assessment?

No. Physical observation is not always part of a continence assessment. When it is suggested, it is always optional, always consent-based, and can be declined without affecting the rest of the appointment.

What should I wear to my continence assessment?

Whatever is comfortable. There is no special outfit required. For an in-home continence assessment, dress as you normally would at home.

When will I receive my report?

Your written continence assessment report is delivered within 10 business days of your appointment, as a PDF to your nominated email address. Copies can also be sent to your support coordinator, plan manager, or GP on request.

See all 46 questions and answers on our continence assessment FAQs page.

Ready for your continence assessment

Every year, thousands of Australians have a continence assessment. Almost every one of them was nervous beforehand. Almost every one of them says afterwards that it wasn't what they expected. The gap between the anticipation and the reality is where this guide hopes to help.

If you haven't booked yet, we're here when you're ready. If your appointment is coming up, take a breath. Your qualified continence nurse has done this hundreds of times. You are in experienced hands, and every minute of the appointment is designed around your dignity, your comfort, and your goals.

What to Expect During a Continence Assessment