Frequently asked questions about continence assessments

A continence assessment looks at your bladder and bowel health and how continence affects your daily life. A qualified Continence Nurse Specialist will ask about your health, symptoms, medicines, daily routines and current continence products. The nurse will then work with you to develop a personalised management plan. This may include practical strategies and recommendations for products, equipment or further health care. The assessment may also provide information to support NDIS planning, Support at Home reviews, aged care planning and personal care decisions.

Your nurse will talk with you about your bladder and bowel symptoms, health conditions, medicines, eating and drinking habits, toilet routines and daily support needs. They may also ask about your mobility, the continence products you use and any help you receive from family, carers or support workers. You may be asked to complete a bladder or bowel diary. The nurse will work with you to find practical ways to manage your continence and may recommend products, equipment or further health care. The appointment will be private, respectful and completed at a pace that is comfortable for you. Depending on your needs, it may take place in your home or by secure telehealth.

The appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. For our complete assessment and report service, the whole process may involve about 5 to 7 hours of clinical work. This includes meeting with you, reviewing your health and support information, assessing your continence needs, preparing recommendations, and writing and checking your management plan and report. The exact time depends on your needs and the type of report required. We will explain the expected time and cost before the assessment begins. The report may provide evidence for an NDIS request or plan review, but the NDIA makes the final funding decision.

Our complete continence assessment and report service includes a detailed review of your bladder and bowel health, medical history, medicines, daily routines, support needs and current continence products. It may also include practical management strategies, product or equipment recommendations, referrals to other health professionals, and a written continence management plan. If agreed before the assessment, the report can include information to support an NDIS or aged care request. The content of the plan and report will depend on your needs and the reason for the assessment. A short continence screening may help identify concerns, but it does not provide the same level of assessment or written information as our complete service.

No. A continence assessment is not the same as a medical diagnosis. It looks at your bladder and bowel symptoms, daily activities, support needs and how your continence is currently managed. The nurse may recommend practical strategies, products, equipment or further assessment. If your symptoms may have a medical cause, the nurse may recommend that you see your GP or another health professional. Depending on your symptoms, this may include a urologist, gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist. Some people need both a continence assessment and a medical assessment.

You do not need a GP referral to book a continence assessment with our service. You can complete our referral form or call 1300 182 273. If available, please share any recent GP letters, specialist reports, medicine lists, care plans or previous continence reports. These documents can help the nurse understand your needs, but you can still book an assessment without them. If your symptoms need medical investigation, the nurse may recommend that you see your GP or another health professional.

A continence assessment is the process of collecting and reviewing information about your bladder, bowel, health, daily activities and support needs. It includes the appointment and the nurse's clinical review. A continence management plan is a written document prepared after the assessment. It may include daily bladder and bowel management strategies, toileting routines, recommended products or equipment, skin care advice, support needs, referrals and a recommended review date. Information for an NDIS or aged care request may be included in the plan or provided in a separate report.

Yes. Our telehealth continence assessments are available across Australia, including regional and remote areas. A telehealth assessment covers the same main topics as an in-home assessment and can include a written management plan or report. It will usually take a similar amount of time, although this depends on your needs. Telehealth may not be suitable if the nurse needs to assess your mobility, products, equipment or home environment in person. The nurse will explain if an in-home appointment, GP appointment or other medical assessment is recommended.

You can book a continence assessment by completing our online referral form or calling 1300 182 273. A family member, support coordinator, plan manager or other representative can also make a booking for you with your consent.

Our team will usually contact you within one business day to discuss your needs, confirm the next steps and arrange a suitable appointment with a qualified continence nurse.

In areas where we provide home visits, an in-home appointment is usually available within 5 to 10 business days. Telehealth appointments may be available sooner.

Waiting times can vary depending on your location, your needs and nurse availability. Complete our online referral form or call 1300 182 273 to check current appointment times.

We provide telehealth continence assessments across Australia, including regional and remote areas. In-home appointments are available in selected suburbs within our service areas.

Complete our online referral form or call 1300 182 273 to check whether an in-home or telehealth appointment is available in your area.

Yes. You can book a free 15-minute chat before deciding whether to have a continence assessment.

During the chat, you can ask questions about the service, discuss possible payment or funding options, and find out what to prepare for your appointment. This chat provides general information only. It is not a continence assessment and does not include clinical advice or a written report.

You can also read more about the assessment process on our How It Works page.

We accept direct bookings from individuals and families. We also accept referrals from support coordinators, plan managers, aged care providers, health professionals and other authorised representatives.

If someone books for you, we will confirm that they have your consent or the authority to act for you. You can arrange an assessment through our online referral form or by calling 1300 182 273.

Yes. A support coordinator can refer a client through our online referral form. A plan manager or another representative may also help with the booking where this is part of their role.

We will confirm the client's consent, or the representative's authority to act, before sharing personal or health information. With the client's permission, we can provide appropriate updates and send the completed report to the people they nominate.

Our reports are written clearly and may provide evidence for NDIS planning or a plan review. The NDIA makes the final decision about funding.

To book an assessment, we will usually ask for:

• Your name and contact details.
• Your location.
• Whether you prefer an in-home or telehealth appointment.
• A brief description of your continence and support needs.
• Any communication or accessibility needs.
• How the service will be paid for, such as NDIS funding, Support at Home funding or private payment.
• The details of an authorised contact person, if someone is helping you with the booking.

A continence assessment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. During the appointment, your nurse will ask about your health, symptoms, daily routines and current continence products. They will also discuss your needs, goals and possible management strategies. The exact time depends on your needs. In-home and telehealth appointments usually take a similar amount of time, but this can vary. You can read our What is a continence assessment? page before your appointment to learn more about what to expect.

Your assessment will be completed by a Continence Nurse Advisor with training and experience in continence, bladder and bowel care. Our nurses work as part of a clinical team. Where needed, another experienced clinician may review the management plan to help make sure the advice is safe, clear and suited to your needs.

Where possible, the same qualified continence nurse will provide your follow-up care. This means you can continue working with someone who already understands your history, routines and management plan. If your usual nurse is unavailable, another qualified nurse may assist you. They will review your records before the appointment so you do not need to explain everything again.

You do not need to prepare a lot before your assessment. If available, it is helpful to have:

• A current medicine list.
• Recent GP or specialist reports.
• Details of the continence products you use.
• A general idea of your eating, drinking and toilet routines.
• A bladder or bowel diary, if your nurse has asked you to complete one.

An in-home continence assessment takes place in your home at an agreed appointment time. You can choose a private and comfortable place where you feel able to talk openly with your nurse. The nurse may also ask to look at your continence products, equipment or bathroom setup, but only when this is relevant and with your permission.

Yes. You can have a family member, carer, support worker, advocate or friend with you during the assessment. This is your choice, and you can ask them to leave at any time.

Because personal health information may be discussed, your nurse will confirm that you are comfortable with the person being present. The nurse may also ask to speak with you privately for part of the appointment.

At the end of the assessment, your nurse will summarise the main points discussed and explain the next steps. They may talk through some initial recommendations with you.

The nurse may need more time after the appointment to review your information and prepare the final recommendations. Your written management plan and report will then be sent using the agreed method. If the nurse identifies a concern that needs medical attention, they will explain what you should do next.

A Continence Nurse Specialist is a Registered Nurse with additional training and experience in bladder, bowel and continence care. Their training may include continence assessment, bladder and bowel function, product selection, care planning and knowing when to recommend further medical assessment. Every continence assessment provided by our service is completed by a Registered Nurse with training and experience in continence care.

A tertiary-qualified continence nurse has completed formal study through a university or another recognised education provider. All of our nurses have completed postgraduate study related to continence, bladder and bowel care. This study builds on their nursing qualifications and clinical experience.

Yes. Every continence nurse who works with us holds current registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia. Registered Nurses must meet professional standards, follow codes of conduct and complete ongoing professional development. You can check a nurse's registration on AHPRA's public register.

Yes. Each assessment is completed by one qualified continence nurse, who works as part of a wider clinical team. Before the management plan is finalised, another qualified clinician may review it to help make sure the recommendations are clear, clinically appropriate and suited to your needs. Your health information is handled according to our privacy and consent processes.

We can provide information about your nurse's registration, qualifications and continence care experience before your appointment. Every nurse providing our continence assessments holds current registration as a Registered Nurse and has training and experience in continence care. You can also check their registration on AHPRA's public register.

Your continence assessment is completed by a qualified Registered Nurse with training and experience in continence care. The nurse is responsible for the clinical assessment, recommendations and management plan. Our administrative team may help with bookings, appointment times and general correspondence, but they do not provide clinical advice or make clinical decisions.

Yes. You can ask for a particular nurse or tell us about any preferences when you book. For example, you may prefer a nurse of a particular gender, a nurse who provides in-home appointments, or someone with experience preparing reports for a specific program.

We will do our best to meet your request, but this will depend on the nurse's location, availability and experience. We will discuss other options with you if your preferred nurse is unavailable.

Our nurses provide in-home continence assessments in selected suburbs within our service areas. Telehealth assessments are available across Australia, including regional and remote locations.

Availability depends on your location, the type of appointment you need and nurse availability. Contact us on 1300 182 273 or complete our referral form to find out whether an in-home or telehealth appointment is available in your area.

Our reports are written to provide clear clinical information for NDIS planning or a plan review. The report explains your continence needs, how they affect your daily life and why any recommended products, equipment or supports may be needed.

You can submit the report as supporting evidence, but the NDIA will decide whether the recommendations meet the NDIS funding criteria. We cannot guarantee that a report or recommendation will be accepted or funded.

We usually send your written continence management plan and report within 10 business days after your assessment.

The report may take longer if your nurse needs more information or must speak with another health professional. If there is a delay, we will contact you.

We will send the documents directly to you. With your consent, we can also send them to your GP, support coordinator, plan manager or another person or organisation you choose.

Your nurse needs time to review the information collected during your assessment and prepare recommendations that suit your needs.

The report may include your relevant health history, assessment findings, management strategies and recommendations for products, equipment or further care. It may also be reviewed by another qualified clinician before it is finalised.

This process helps make sure your report is clear, accurate and suitable for its agreed purpose.

Your written report may include:

• A summary of your relevant health history.
• Your bladder and bowel symptoms and support needs.
• The findings from your assessment.
• A personalised continence management plan.
• Practical strategies for day-to-day continence care.
• Recommended products or equipment, where needed.
• Referrals or recommendations for further health care.
• A recommended review date.
• Information to support an NDIS or aged care request, where agreed.

Yes. You can choose to have your report sent to your GP, support coordinator, plan manager or another person involved in your care.

We will ask for your consent before sharing the report and confirm who should receive it. We will send it using a secure method. We may also share information when the law allows or requires us to do so.

Yes. We take steps to protect your personal and health information. We use secure systems to store records and send documents.

We only collect and use information needed to provide our services. We will not share your information without your consent unless the law allows or requires us to do so.

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, use and share your information, and how you can ask to access or correct your records.

Yes. You can ask us for another copy of your report while we hold it in our records. We may need to confirm your identity before sending it.

A reissued report is a copy of the original document. If your health, continence needs or circumstances have changed, the original recommendations may no longer be suitable. Your nurse can advise whether you need an updated report, a review appointment or a new assessment.

We will tell you about any processing time or fee before completing your request.

Our reports can provide useful clinical information for Support at Home, aged care planning, GPs and allied health providers. We prepare each report for the purpose agreed with you before the assessment.

Requirements can vary between programs and organisations. A report may support an application, review or care plan, but we cannot guarantee that another organisation will accept every recommendation or approve funding or services. We will let you know if additional information or another assessment may be needed.

A continence assessment may be funded by the NDIS when your continence needs are related to your disability and the assessment meets NDIS funding requirements.

A continence assessment can help identify your continence needs, recommended products and the supports you may need. We can help you understand the funding pathway that may apply to your situation and provide the documentation needed to support your NDIS plan.

Call 1300 182 273 or complete our online referral form and we can discuss your options before you book.

The cost of a continence assessment depends on how your assessment is funded and whether it is provided in your home or by telehealth.

For NDIS participants, the assessment may be funded through your NDIS plan when it meets NDIS funding requirements and you have appropriate funding available.

For Support at Home participants, the assessment can be arranged through your provider, depending on your approved services and available funding.

Private-pay clients receive a quote before booking. Contact us on 1300 182 273 to discuss the funding options that may apply to you.

For NDIS participants, there may be no out-of-pocket cost when the assessment is an approved NDIS support and there is appropriate funding available in your plan.

For Support at Home participants, funding is arranged through your provider. Clinical nursing services are generally not subject to participant contributions, but your provider will confirm how the assessment is funded.

We confirm the funding pathway with you before your assessment wherever possible, so you know what to expect.

Private-pay clients receive a clear quote before booking.

Private-pay pricing is quoted before you book and depends on your location and whether you choose an in-home or telehealth assessment.

Your quote will clearly explain what is included, including your continence assessment, clinical recommendations and written continence management plan and report.

Call 1300 182 273 or complete our referral form to receive a current quote.

A continence assessment involves much more than the time spent with you during the appointment.

Your nurse needs time to understand your continence history, review the information provided, assess your needs, consider suitable products and supports, and prepare your written continence management plan and report. The total clinical work behind a complete continence assessment usually reflects roughly 5 to 7 hours, not just the 60 to 90 minute appointment.

The assessment is completed by a registered nurse with specialist continence expertise, with the aim of providing practical recommendations suited to your individual needs.

Continence assessments provided through our service are not generally bulk-billed through Medicare like a standard GP appointment.

Depending on your circumstances, your assessment may be funded through the NDIS or Support at Home, or you may choose to pay privately.

We can help you understand which funding pathway may apply to you before you book.

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is an Australian Government payment that helps eligible people with the cost of continence products.

CAPS is designed to help with the purchase of continence products. It is separate from the cost of a continence assessment.

We can help you understand your continence product needs and recommend products that are appropriate for your individual situation.

Yes. We work with Support at Home providers to coordinate continence assessments for older Australians. If you were previously receiving a Home Care Package, you may now be receiving services through the Support at Home program.

We provide a detailed continence assessment, recommendations and written report to help your provider understand your continence needs and plan appropriate supports.

We can liaise with your provider to help confirm the funding arrangements before your assessment.

Your continence assessment and your continence products are funded separately, and the rules depend on the funding program you receive.

For NDIS participants, continence products may be funded through your NDIS plan when they meet NDIS requirements and you have the appropriate funding available.

For Support at Home participants, continence products may be available through approved nursing care consumables funding.

For eligible CAPS recipients, CAPS provides a payment to help with the cost of continence products.

Your continence assessment will include product recommendations based on your individual needs. We can help you understand the product options and the funding pathway that may apply to you.