How do I use my NDIS funds to buy continence aids

If you have NDIS funding and need continence aids, here is a helpful guide on how to use your funds effectively to get the support and products you need.

Understanding Continence Supports and NDIS Funding

The NDIS can fund continence supports if your incontinence is related to your disability. This includes:

• Continence products like nappies, pull-ups, washables, wipes, mattress protectors, and bedwetting alarms 
• Disposable urinary catheters and other consumables 
• Assistance with managing continence needs, such as help cleaning or changing catheters or stoma bags 
• Support from qualified health professionals like continence nurses for assessments and training 
• Support workers to assist with continence care if you cannot manage independently 

You can also get funding for a continence assessment by a qualified nurse, who will help prepare and review your continence plan, recommend products, and provide toileting strategies.

How to Include Continence Supports in Your NDIS Plan

To ensure continence supports are included in your plan, you need to:

• Specifically mention continence needs during your NDIS planning meeting 
• Request funding for a continence assessment and any follow-up reviews (usually 5–7 hours of therapy per year) 
• Explain how your continence needs affect your goals and daily life-for example, if managing continence is essential for participating in activities or work 
• Bring information about the continence products you currently use and whether they effectively manage your incontinence 
• If you have had a continence assessment within the last two years, bring the report to your planning meeting.

What Continence Supports Can You Buy with NDIS Funding?

Your NDIS plan’s Consumables budget can cover:

• Everyday continence products like nappies, pull-ups, wipes, washables, and mattress protectors 
• Disposable urinary catheters and related consumables 
• Assistive technology related to continence care like bedwetting alarms and vibrating alarm reminder watches
• Support services such as continence nurses or support workers to assist with care or training.

How to Purchase Continence Aids Using Your NDIS Funding

There are several ways to buy continence products with your NDIS funds:

• Use registered NDIS providers like Medical Store, Topcat Healthcare, HECSA, BrightSky, which offer a wide range of fully subsidised continence aids and can provide formal quotes for your NDIS plan. 
• Purchase through online marketplaces like Pjama which allow you to pay directly using your NDIS funds at checkout. 
• Depending on your plan management type (NDIS-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed), providers can assist with processing your orders and payments.  For NDIS funded Pjama tax invoice request, please fill out the form here
  

It’s often recommended to buy consumables month-by-month to ensure you have the right amount and sizes without overstocking.

Getting Support with Continence Management

If you need help managing your continence products or care, NDIS can fund:

• A registered nurse to assist with catheter changes or cleaning 
• A support worker to help with stoma care or toileting 
• Training for family members or support workers by qualified health professionals to provide continence support safely.

Case Examples

• A child over 5 with developmental delays and continence needs can receive funding for continence products, assessments, and toileting support to help manage their disability-related needs. 
• An adult with a neurogenic bladder disorder needing disposable catheters and consumables can get funding based on evidence from a continence nurse and supplier quotes, ensuring supports are reasonable and necessary. 
• Families are encouraged to work with therapists and continence nurses to develop strategies that improve independence and quality of life. 

By preparing well for your NDIS planning meeting, clearly explaining your continence needs, and working with qualified providers, you can use your NDIS funding to access the continence aids and supports essential for your daily living and achieving your goals.