The NDIS Continence Assessment: What It Is & How to Prepare
The NDIS continence assessment explained: what it is, who does it, how to prepare, and how it unlocks funded continence aids and support.
A continence assessment is the single most important step in getting bladder and bowel supports funded through the NDIS — it's the professional evidence that turns a vague request into a funded, itemised supply. If continence is part of living with your disability, this is usually your best first move. This explainer covers what the assessment is, who does it, how to prepare, and how it unlocks…
What a continence assessment is
Why it's the gateway to funded aids
Who can do a continence assessment
What the assessment looks at
Check mainstream and state schemes first
How to prepare for your assessment
Turning the assessment into funding
Frequently asked questions
What is an NDIS continence assessment?
It's a professional assessment of your bladder and bowel needs, carried out by a continence nurse or a suitably qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist. It produces the written evidence the NDIS uses to fund the right continence aids and any support you need to manage them.
Why do I need an assessment to get continence products funded?
The assessment is the evidence that turns a general request into a funded, itemised supply. It confirms your incontinence is disability-related, identifies exactly which products and how many you need, and gives the NDIA a clinical basis for approving them. Without it, funding is hard to justify.
Who can do a continence assessment?
A continence nurse advisor, or an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with continence expertise. What matters is that they're suitably qualified to assess continence and write the recommendation; a GP or a general support worker can't provide this specific evidence on their own.
How do I prepare for a continence assessment?
It helps to keep a short bladder and bowel diary, list the products you currently use, note any related health conditions, and think about where and when you have difficulties. The more real-life detail you bring, the more accurately the assessor can recommend what you need.
Should I check other schemes before using my NDIS plan?
Yes. Some people are eligible for mainstream or state continence schemes that may cover part of the cost. The NDIS generally expects these to be checked first, and funds continence supports where it's the appropriate funder for your disability-related needs.
Related guides
- Continence Support on the NDIS: A Bladder & Bowel Guide
- Stoma Supplies: The NDIS & the Stoma Appliance Scheme Explained
- Stoma Care on the NDIS: A Participant & Family Guide
- Urinary Catheter Care on the NDIS: A Participant Guide
- How to Find a Support Worker Trained in Complex Bowel Care
- Bowel Care Safety: Questions to Ask & What a Good Routine Looks Like