CONTINENCE ASSESSMENT BY REGISTERED NURSE
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NDIS Continence Assessments That Connect Clinical Need With Everyday Function
Continence needs can have a profound impact on dignity, independence, health, community access, sleep, relationships and the level of assistance required every day.
A Continence Assessment by an appropriately qualified Registered Nurse or continence professional can provide detailed clinical evidence regarding disability-related continence needs and recommended supports.
The NDIA specifically states that a continence-related assistive technology assessment helps explain why continence supports related to disability may need to be included in an NDIS plan. Evidence may come from an allied health practitioner or continence nurse.
What Does a Continence Assessment Consider?
Depending on the participant:
- Bladder function
- Bowel function
- Frequency of incontinence
- Toileting routines
- Functional ability to access the bathroom
- Mobility
- Transfers
- Communication
- Cognition
- Ability to recognise toileting cues
- Ability to independently manage clothing
- Personal hygiene
- Skin integrity
- Overnight requirements
- Carer involvement
- Current continence products
- Product effectiveness
- Leakage patterns
- Environmental barriers
- Previous strategies
- Recommended products
- Quantity and frequency of product use
- Review requirements
Why is a Continence Assessment Important for an NDIS Plan?
There is a critical distinction between: medical treatment for a health condition, and disability-related assistance required to manage continence in everyday life.
The NDIS states that it does not fund treatment of health conditions ordinarily provided by the health system. However, disability-related health supports associated with managing incontinence may be considered where they meet the NDIS funding requirements.
The assessment helps provide the evidence behind questions such as:
- Why does the participant require continence products?
- How is the requirement related to disability?
- Why is it a regular part of daily life?
- Which products have been trialled?
- How frequently are products required?
- Are current products effective?
- What assistance is required from another person?
- What are the consequences if appropriate continence support is unavailable?
When Should Continence Needs Be Reassessed?
Consider reassessment where:
- Continence has deteriorated
- Product usage has significantly increased
- Current products are leaking or unsuitable
- Weight or body shape has changed
- Mobility has deteriorated
- Toileting independence has changed
- Skin integrity issues have developed
- Overnight support requirements have changed
- A new disability-related condition affects continence
- Current NDIS funding no longer reflects actual needs
- A plan reassessment is approaching
The Caring Lab Difference: Dignity, Function & Evidence
Individualised Assessment
Recommendations are based on the participant's actual routine and disability-related needs rather than a generic product allocation.
Product & Functional Review
Assessment considers both continence products and the participant's ability to manage continence safely and independently.
NDIS-Ready Documentation
Reports clearly explain disability-related continence needs, current strategies, recommended supports and clinical reasoning.