What Is a Continence Assessment?
A complete guide to continence assessments in Australia, from a tertiary qualified nurse continence specialist with a post graduate qualification and specialisations in Continence. What the process involves, what to expect, and how funding works.
A continence assessment is a structured nursing review of bladder and bowel function, conducted by a qualified continence nurse. It is used to identify practical strategies, product recommendations, and any funding pathways that support ongoing continence care. This guide walks through everything a first-time participant, family member, or support coordinator needs to know before booking a continence assessment.
Ready to book instead? Book your continence assessment with a qualified continence nurse today.
What a continence assessment involves
A continence assessment is a structured review of how bladder and bowel function are currently being managed. During a continence assessment, a qualified continence nurse reviews medical and surgical history, current symptoms, medications, daily living, individual requirements, personal goals, and any strategies or products already in use. The nurse then develops a personalised continence management plan that identifies practical strategies, product recommendations, and any funding pathways that may support ongoing continence care.
A continence assessment is not a medical diagnostic procedure. It is a functional nursing assessment focused on how continence is currently being managed and what improvements are possible. The end goal of every continence assessment is a clear, practical plan that helps the participant, their family, and their broader care team manage continence with confidence and dignity.
Who conducts a continence assessment
Every continence assessment through continenceassessment.com.au is conducted by a Tertiary Qualified Nurse Continence Specialist with a post graduate qualification and specialisations in Continence. A qualified continence nurse has completed post-registration training beyond general nursing to specialise in this area of clinical practice.
Our qualified continence nurses are part of Caremmunity's qualified continence nurse team, a national provider of continence care serving clients Australia-wide. Every continence management plan is reviewed by our clinical team before being finalised, so each plan reflects current best practice in continence care.
Who a continence assessment is for
A continence assessment is appropriate for anyone experiencing bladder or bowel changes that are affecting daily life, or anyone needing continence documentation for funding purposes.
- NDIS participants who need continence support included in their plan
- Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages) recipients arranging or reviewing continence care
- Older Australians transitioning between care settings
- Support coordinators arranging assessments for participants on their caseload
- Families of participants who need help identifying the right continence products or funding
- Anyone who needs a continence assessment to apply for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
There are no age restrictions on booking a continence assessment. Children, adults, and older participants all access continence assessments through the same qualified continence nurse team.
What to expect during your continence assessment
A continence assessment follows a consistent structure whether delivered in-home or via telehealth. Every continence assessment covers the same four practical stages.
- 1
Booking and intake call
After you book online or call 1300 182 273, our team arranges a short intake call to confirm your funding pathway, understand what you are looking for, and match you with the right qualified continence nurse for your situation.
- 2
In-home or telehealth appointment
The continence assessment itself takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your qualified continence nurse reviews health history, current symptoms, daily routines, medications, and any strategies or products in use. Privacy and comfort are prioritised throughout. A family member or support person can attend if preferred.
- 3
Report delivery within 10 business days
After the appointment, your qualified continence nurse prepares a written continence assessment report and a personalised management plan. The report is NDIS-ready, formatted for use in plan reviews and funding conversations.
- 4
Ongoing review and support
We coordinate product supply through Caremmunity's continence products range, connect you with continence products funded through your plan, and schedule reassessments at your next plan review or when circumstances change.
Why a complete continence assessment takes 5 to 7 hours of clinical time
A complete continence assessment involves 5 to 7 hours of total clinical time. This is the standard our qualified continence nurses work to for every participant, and it is what allows a continence assessment to be genuinely comprehensive, clinically robust, and NDIS-ready without shortcuts.
Some providers deliver a continence assessment in 3 to 4 hours. That shorter timeframe leaves less room for the depth of clinical review, tertiary-level analysis, and comprehensive management planning that a complete continence assessment requires. Our approach reflects the standard we believe every participant deserves, particularly where NDIS and Support at Home funding decisions rest on the quality of the report.
What the 5 to 7 hours covers
- 1
Pre-appointment intake and review (30 to 45 minutes)
Confirming your funding pathway, matching you with the right qualified continence nurse, and reviewing any prior documentation you have shared.
- 2
In-home or telehealth appointment (60 to 90 minutes)
The continence assessment itself. Health history review, current symptoms and daily routines, medications, and any strategies or products already in use. Where appropriate, brief physical observation with explicit consent.
- 3
Clinical documentation and analysis (90 to 120 minutes)
Your qualified continence nurse documents the appointment in detail, analyses the clinical picture, identifies contributing factors, and considers all appropriate management options.
- 4
Personalised continence management plan development (60 to 90 minutes)
Building the practical management plan. Product recommendations, funding pathway recommendations, referrals where needed, and a recommended reassessment schedule.
- 5
Report writing (60 to 90 minutes)
Preparing the written continence assessment report in NDIS-ready format. Clear enough for participants and families to read, structured enough for support coordinators, plan managers, GPs, and other providers to use directly.
- 6
Clinical review by the team (30 to 45 minutes)
Every continence management plan is reviewed by our clinical team before being finalised, so each plan reflects current best practice in continence care. This peer-review step is not optional.
- 7
Coordination and delivery (15 to 30 minutes)
Delivering the report, coordinating with any nominated support coordinator or GP, and setting up any follow-up product supply through Caremmunity's continence products range
This is what a tertiary-qualified continence nurse delivers when a continence assessment is done fully. The five to seven hours are what turn a conversation into a report a support coordinator can submit for a plan review, a GP can act on, and a family can follow with confidence.
How long a continence assessment takes
The continence assessment appointment itself takes 60 to 90 minutes, in-home or via telehealth. That is the time you spend with your qualified continence nurse. The complete continence assessment, including all clinical documentation, analysis, plan development, report writing, and peer review, involves 5 to 7 hours of total clinical time. Most of that work happens after your appointment.
From first enquiry to receiving the finished continence assessment report, most people are looking at three to four weeks. In-home continence assessments that we offer are usually available for booking within five to ten business days. Telehealth continence assessments are often available sooner. If a continence assessment is needed urgently for a plan review or other deadline, let us know when booking and we will accommodate the timeframe where possible.
What you receive after your continence assessment
Every continence assessment ends with a comprehensive package of documents and next steps. The written continence assessment report is written to be clear for the participant and family to read, and also structured so support coordinators, plan managers, GPs, and other providers can use it directly.
- Written continence assessment report
- Personalised continence management plan
- Product recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences
- Funding pathway recommendations where relevant
- Recommended reassessment schedule
- Optional referrals to other services, including continence management plans through Caremmunity
How funding works for your continence assessment
A continence assessment is funded through one of four main pathways in Australia. The right pathway depends on the participant's situation.
NDIS
For NDIS participants, a continence assessment is fully funded through your NDIS plan with no out-of-pocket cost. Funding for the continence assessment can come from Core Supports or Capacity Building depending on how your plan is structured. See NDIS funding for continence assessments for detail.
Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages)
For Support at Home recipients, continence assessments are coordinated with your Support at Home provider. The continence assessment applies to all eight Support at Home classification levels including transitioned Home Care Package participants. See Support at Home funding for continence assessments for detail.
CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme)
For CAPS-eligible participants, we provide the continence assessment needed to apply for or maintain CAPS funding. See CAPS funding for detail.
Private
For participants not covered by the above funding pathways, private-pay continence assessments are available. Pricing is provided upfront before booking.
Continence assessment vs medical diagnosis
A continence assessment is often confused with a medical diagnostic appointment. The two are related but different. A GP or medical specialist diagnoses underlying conditions. A qualified continence nurse conducting a continence assessment identifies how continence is currently being managed and what practical strategies, products, and funding pathways will improve day-to-day life.
Many participants attend both. A GP or specialist appointment diagnoses the underlying condition; a continence assessment translates that diagnosis into practical daily management. If a continence assessment identifies something that needs medical review, your qualified continence nurse will recommend follow-up with the appropriate GP or specialist.
Frequently asked questions about continence assessments
How long does a continence assessment take?
A continence assessment takes 60 to 90 minutes, whether conducted in-home or via telehealth. This time includes health history review, discussion of current symptoms and routines, and time to develop tailored recommendations.
Is a continence assessment the same as seeing a specialist?
No. A continence assessment is a functional nursing assessment conducted by a qualified continence nurse. It reviews how continence is currently being managed and identifies practical strategies, products, and funding pathways. A specialist (urologist, colorectal specialist, gastroenterologist) diagnoses and treats underlying medical conditions. Many participants attend both.
Who is a qualified continence nurse?
A qualified continence nurse is a Tertiary Qualified Nurse Continence Specialist with a post graduate qualification and specialisations in Continence. Every continence assessment through continenceassessment.com.au is conducted by a qualified continence nurse working within Caremmunity's clinical team.
What is the difference between a continence assessment and a continence management plan?
A continence assessment is the appointment itself. A continence management plan is one of the documents you receive after the assessment. The plan is the written strategy for managing continence day to day, including recommended products, review schedule, and funding recommendations.
Do I need a GP referral for a continence assessment?
No GP referral is required. You can book a continence assessment directly by calling 1300 182 273 or using our online referral form. If you have a recent GP letter or specialist report, sharing it helps inform the continence assessment, but it is not required.
What is the difference between Home Care Packages and Support at Home?
Home Care Packages was replaced by the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. Support at Home is the current name for the same Australian Government funding pathway that helps older Australians remain living at home. The key changes are eight funding classification levels (up from four Home Care Package levels), quarterly budgets, and clearer pricing rules. For continence care, our service works the same way whether your funding is called Home Care Package or Support at Home.
Can I have a continence assessment via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth continence assessments are available Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas. A telehealth continence assessment takes the same 60 to 90 minutes and produces the same written report as an in-home continence assessment.
How soon can I book a continence assessment?
In areas where we offer in-home visits, in-home continence assessments can be booked within five to ten business days. Telehealth continence assessments are often available sooner. Book online through our referral form or call 1300 182 273 to check current availability.
How to book a continence assessment
Ready to book? There are three ways to arrange a continence assessment with a qualified continence nurse.
- Online through our book your continence assessment page
- By phone on 1300 182 273 during business hours
- Through your support coordinator or plan manager, who can book on your behalf
Every booking is confirmed within one business day with your qualified continence nurse assigned and an appointment time offered. Full clinical delivery is provided by our partner Caremmunity.
Book your continence assessment today
Book online or call 1300 182 273. Same team, same qualified continence nurses, whether you reach us here or through Caremmunity.
Or call us on 1300 182 273